The Pell City Police Department invites residents to its 2025 Citizen Academy, a six-week program offering an in-depth look at police operations. Held Tuesdays from May 6th to June 10th, 6-9 PM, the academy covers topics like patrol, investigations, crime scene processing, SWAT, and legal matters. Participants will also experience a jail tour and mock court trial.
“It’s always great when we get to talk about what the Department does,” said Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris. “But it’s more important that our citizens get to experience it for themselves.”
The objective of the Citizen Academy is not to train participants to become police officers, but rather to foster a greater understanding of the diverse responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the crucial role the community plays in crime prevention and resolution. There is no charge to attend the academy.
Reflecting on her experience in the 2024 Citizen Academy, attendee Rotunda Foreman shared, “The Citizens Police Academy was an eye-opening experience. Our police department gave me the opportunity to see inside their lives on duty. It’s something everyone should experience.”
Lauren Quesenberry, another 2024 participant, said, “I got to see what police work is really like, do hands-on activities, and even go on a few ride-alongs. It gave me a whole new respect for law enforcement and how much they do for our community. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in police work!”
Angela St. John, a 2024 attendee, added, “The entire program was insightful, well thought out, and well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting range and training facility in Hoover, but truthfully, I can’t think of one thing that I would change.”
Requirements: Applicants must be 18+, attend all sessions, and pass a limited background check. Enrollment is limited to 15 participants, accepted first-come, first-served.