Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- One popular story Mike Jones likes to tell about Suwanee Citizen Police Academy involves citizen police officers executing a traffic stop.

As Jones, the Suwanee Police chief, recalls the story from several years ago, one citizen officer witnessed a colleague getting shot on the side of the road. So, during a separate "traffic stop," the second officer fired on an otherwise unsuspecting motorist.

Jones said that's one example of how residents learn of the potentially dangerous situations and unknowns police officers encounter every day.

Another installment of the hands-on, eight-week program that's in its 10th year begins next month. The Citizens Police Academy will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings beginning Feb. 19 at the Police Training Center at 2966 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road.

It's an opportunity for average residents to learn about the typical duties of Suwanee police officers.

Notarized applications must be turned in by 5 p.m. on Feb. 4. Applications are available at suwanee.com. Applicants must be at least 19 years old, and Suwanee residents receive priority placement.

The course covers all facets of police work, Jones said, including ride-alongs, pat downs, and how officers deal with DUIs, narcotics, crime scene processing and crime prevention tips and scenarios.