If you've always wondered what the inside workings of a police department were like, or are just interested in how you can help make your community a safer place to live, the Savannah- Chatham Metro Police Department is accepting applications for the fall session of its annual Citizen's Police Academy.

The 2008 program starts on Thursday, September 18 and take place every Thursday night for 13 weeks. Registration is limited to the first 30 applicants and costs only $10. Deadline for registration is Friday, September 12. Interested people can visit their nearest precinct office to pick up an application, or download it from the SCMPD website at www.scmpd.org. The application must be signed and notarized and then turned in at any precinct or the Police Barracks located at 201 Habersham Street along with the registration fee.

The Citizen's Police Academy is a thirteen-week program that allows the residents of our community to interact with members of the department and gain an understanding of the justice system. Participants will meet the Chief of Police and officers from each unit of Metro Police.

Highlights of the program include touring the Chatham County Jail, the Regional Youth Detention Center, and an opportunity to do a ride-a-long with a patrol officer. The class meets on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Savannah- Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Squad Room, 201 Habersham Street.

Graduates will receive three continuing education units from Armstrong Atlantic State University. The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education also recognizes the program for training units.

Anyone seeking more information can contact program coordinator Gianna Nelson at 651-2246.