The Oak Bluffs Police Department is hosting a citizens police academy. The academy will give Oak Bluffs residents the opportunity to observe the day-to-day operations of their police department.

Officers will conduct training in their areas of expertise. Topics to be discussed are constitutional law, criminal law, motor vehicle law, applied patrol procedures, firearms, domestic violence, and community policing.

The academy will offer an optional cruiser ride-along, optional practical exercise at the firearms range, and an optional marine patrol operations exercise.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have an inquisitive nature and be willing to spend eight weeks getting acquainted with officers of the Oak Bluffs Police Department.

The academy will begin on Thursday, April 17. Classes will run every Thursday for eight weeks ending on June 5. Classes will be held at the police department in the Peter Williamson Training Room.

Interested applicants can get in touch with Sgt. Michael Marchand at 508-693-0750. Informational brochures, academy applications and liability-waiver applications can be picked up at the police department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Completed academy applications are due by Friday, April 4 at 4 p.m.