The Oregon Police Division is bringing back its Citizens' Police Academy in hopes of turning participants into volunteer teams to help officers during special events or natural disasters.

The academy, last offered in 2007, is scheduled for every Monday April 16 through June 25, except for Memorial Day, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the community room at the Oregon Municipal Building, 5330 Seaman Rd.

Registration is open to about 20 people, with the first applications received the first to be accepted. The course is free, but applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass background checks, and have valid driver's licenses.

Oregon residents are preferred, said Oregon police Sgt. Tony Castillo, to whom application may be made by calling 419-698-7180 or emailing tcastillo@oregonohio.org.

The academy will cover departmental operations including patrols, community-policing services, school-based policing, prevention, self defense, and a class at the firing range, Sergeant Castillo said.

First Published April 1, 2012, 4:12 a.m.