Auburn's Public Safety Department is now accepting applications for the 2012 Auburn Public Safety Academy.
The academy is intended to give Auburn citizens a better look at the department, and applications can be picked up and turned in at Auburn's public safety building at 161 N. Ross St.
Capt. Tommy Carswell of the Auburn Police Department can be contacted for further information at tcarswell@auburn.edu and can email applications upon request.
The academy lasts from March 1 to May 3 and consists of 11 sessions. It will meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m., with the exception of the week of Spring Break. The program also meets on two Saturdays, March 17 and April 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
"The program brings citizens here to get a better look at what we are doing and to get a better understanding of what it takes to provide public safety in Auburn," Carswell said. "It also gives us the opportunity to interact with them and see what their needs and concerns are."
The academy's participants will receive exposure to the police, fire and communication divisions of Auburn's public safety program.
Carswell, who coordinates the academy, said police officers from different units will come to speak on a variety of topics.
"When you come to the academy you will see different types of training," said Bill James, director of Public Safety. "You will get to learn a lot about how we work and also how to be safe at home."
Carswell said the sessions will contain practical things that attendees could potentially use.
"On March 17 we will be at the Auburn firing range to give the attendees a basic firearm orientation," Carswell said. "It will also be a lot of fun."
Fire Chief Lee Lamar said the group will learn how to use a fire extinguisher and perform CPR, as well as basic fire safety and prevention tips. They will also go for a ride-along in one of the fire trucks.
Carswell said he was one of three people from Auburn to attend a 1994 seminar sponsored by an Orlando, Fla., police deparment that focused on how to involve citizens in public safety. The following year, Auburn's first public safety academy was organized.
"I believe in community-oriented policing," Carswell said. "That is basically us just working with the people of the community to solve their problems."
Carswell also said it is important that people understand and gain an appreciation for the work of Auburn's public servants.
James said he thinks the program is beneficial because citizens can meet staff members in case they have questions or need to contact the Public Safety Department in the future for any reason.
"One of the most important things about the program is that the people get exposure to our personnel," Lamar said. "They will be able to get a good idea of what our mission is."
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