The Meridian Police Department begins its first class for a new Citizen Police Academy. The class is at full capacity with 20 students.

The initiative grew from a rash of robberies, shootings, and burglaries in late 2011. The objective is to help residents get the training they need to be safer and be able to help authorities.

Some shooting techniques and driving techniques will be taught to students during the 11-week course. However, organizers say participants will also learn much more.

"Based on models from other cities, the training division for the Meridian Police Department put together the curriculum," said Mike Vick, police spokesman. "So, something may not work as well as others do. So, we'll modify it. If there's one thing we try to be is adaptable."

According to Officer Vick, MPD's Citizen Police Academy will be loosely based off some things offered by a similar program provided by the police department in Alabama's state capitol.

Is it going to authorize them to carry a gun? No. Are they going to have arrest powers? No.

However, Vick says what it will do is help participants become even more proactive and effective in assisting police with curbing crime.

"We've got so many citizens out there that participate in Neighborhood Watch. We've got people calling us regularly now to report suspicious people, which we encourage," Vick said. "This will make those people who want to be in the community in that fashion better at what they do."

As part of the 40-hour course, students will be required to ride at least two hours with an on-duty police officer, attend an 8-hour Saturday session and visit Mississippi's Crime Lab. The course will also include a written exam.

Vick says it's likely that once this course is complete, a new session will follow.

"If we continue to get the response that we're getting," he said.

The Citizen Police Academy is part of a collaborative effort between Meridian police and Meridian Community College. Seven officers from the police department are serving as instructors. The registration fee was $100 per student.