SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Police Department announced on Monday that applications are officially open for the 2025 Spring Citizens Police Academy.

Officials say the free course traditionally runs for nine weeks, but this academy will technically span over 10 weeks, as the class will not meet on April 8 due to Spring Break.

Classes are held on Tuesdays, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., in the SBPD auditorium from March 4 to May 6.

Participants will have a chance to participate in several hands-on, interactive lessons from various specialty units of the SBPD including:

• Patrol
• SWAT team
• Crime Scene Technicians
• Bomb Squad
• Hostage/Crisis Negotiators
• K9 Unit
• Real-Time Crime Center
• Narcotics Enforcement
• Detective Bureau
• Communications
• and more!

"Participants must be 18 or older and agree to a criminal background check," SBPD said. "You can learn more and access the application by going online."

Space is limited and applications are due by Feb. 14.