Solon Police Organizing Its First Citizens Academy

As part of its new effort to reach out to the public, the is organizing its first ever citizens academy.

The academy is free to Solon residents and business owners and managers. Applicants must be 18 years old by March 1 and will have to pass a background check.

Lt. Bruce Felton, a department spokesman, said the academy will teach residents what it's like to be a police officer.

"This will give people the opportunity to really understand what we do, how we do it, why we do it and how it affects them," Felton said.

The nine-week program won't make you into a police officer, Felton said, but it will provide participants information on on a variety of subjects, such as driving, investigations, firearms and others.

After the program, participants will be able to accompany an officer on an evening ride along.

Graduates will also be able to become a member of a new community impact advisory board, a group that will provide input on police decisions to Chief Chris Viland and the city.

Interested in applying? Contact Sgt. Steve Galaska at 440-337-1478.