Applications are now being accepted for Fairfield Township’s Citizens Police Academy, which is tentatively scheduled to begin Jan. 19.

“It’s a chance for the residents and people who work in the township to see how their police department operates,” said Michael Oler, commander of the academy. “The news story side of what happens that you see on TV sometimes isn’t the full picture. Going through the academy will give a more balance view of what really goes on.”

Each week for 10 weeks, members of the academy meet from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, at the police department, 6485 Vonnie Vale Court. After five weeks, participants are eligible for one ride along with an officer during his or her shift. After graduation, participants can schedule additional ride alongs.

Topics to be covered include vice, patrol operations, criminal investigation/evidence collection, judicial systems, forensic hypnosis, domestic violence, crash investigation/traffic enforcement, Drug Abuse Resistance Education/Community Oriented Policing Services programs and police aviation.

There will also be canine and use of force/firearms demonstrations. Academy members can test the driving and firearms training simulators. There will be one session devoted to operations of the fire department, Oler said.

To be eligible for the academy enrollees should be at least 18 years old and submit to a background check. Preference will be given to those who live or work in the township. There is no cost to participate.

Graduates of the academy are given a T-shirt and identification card and invited to join the academy’s alumni association. That group puts on the annual Memorial Day community festival and hosts social and fundraising activities.

Alumni donated more than 650 hours to the police and other township departments last year, Oler said. The group has donated money for tasers, a defibrillator and other equipment.

“It’s a testimony to the support this township and police department gets from those who go through the academy,” said police Chief Richard St. John. “They are interested in staying involved with the police department and in donating their time and effort to help out.”

The alumni group has sponsored four weekend CommunityFest fundraisers.

Information/application for academy: 513-887-4406×4258 or www.fairfieldtwp.org/cpa.html