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Watch out bad guys: the net of Dunwoody law enforcement is about to get bigger. On Jan. 26, the city’s police force hosts its first citizens’ police academy, a nine-week course open to its residents that covers all of the department’s operations.

Hosted on Tuesday evenings, the three-hour classes will, officials expect, provide attendees with enough knowledge to eventually assist with enforcement efforts.

“We’re hoping to educate the public to help us,” said Sgt. Mike Carlson. “We have a community oriented policing policy.”

The first 20 people signed up will gain insight into detective and SWAT team work, community outreach, gang surveillance and other operations. Once complete, attendees receive a certificate.

By then, they will have also toured the DeKalb County jail and the Sandy Springs-based 911 emergency center. Carlson said the application response has been so positive that two more classes are already earmarked for later this year. However, he urges those interested to sign up immediately as the first class is already full.  

Interest in law enforcement is reflected in the growing trend of reality TV programs featuring aspects of police work. Shows include long-running Cops, in which a camera crew shadows patrol officers around the country, and First 48, depicting murder detectives in action.

Attendees should find the experience similarly insightful. “We’re going to teach them the inner workings into the department through interaction,” said Carlson.

Similar initiatives have been popular in other metro Atlanta municipalities. Doraville, for example, held four academies last year, while Dunwoody’s program mirrors Marietta’s academy.

Those interested in attending, can download applications at http://www.dunwoodyga.gov/Government/departments/Dunwoody-Police-Department.aspx. Applications should be turned in at the front desk at 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 100, Dunwoody. A background check will be conducted on each applicant. The academy is for Dunwoody residents only.

For more information, contact Carlson at mike.carlson@dunwoodyga.gov.