By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

SHARONVILLE - Residents can get an inside look at their police department in the Sharonville Citizen's Police Academy, a 10-week program that begins Sept. 17.

The academy is open to anyone who lives or works in Sharonville, and will have a maximum 25 students. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings for three hours.

Planned topics include a history of the Sharonville department, traffic investigation, crime scene processing, criminal investigations, firearms and domestic violence, Sharonville Police Officer Dee Dee Smith said.

"A lot of people are curious about what really happens at the police department," Smith said.

"So many times people just get bits and pieces. It's for good people to understand the whole process."

Participants are expected to emerge more knowledgeable about preventing crime and keeping police informed.

It's been several years since the department conducted a police academy, and the class has been retooled to provide relevant topics, Smith said. Instructors will come from various divisions of the Sharonville Police Department and from outside agencies, such as the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office.

"We're putting together a whole new curriculum," Smith said.

Sharonville Councilman Kerry Rabeis among those signed up to take the class.

"So many people are interested in the law and law enforcement," Rabe said. "I think it just gives them a closer view in this class and hands-on demonstration. I feel like Sharonville is trying to stay one step ahead of the game as far as keeping (the city) safe and I applaud them for that."

Applications for the Sharonville Citizen's Police Academy can be picked up 24 hours a day at the Sharonville Police Station, 10900 Reading Road. Applications can be obtained via e-mail from Officer Dee Smith at dsmith@cityofsharonville.com.

E-mail daveck@fuse.net