LEWISTON – The annual Citizen Police Academy will begin Jan. 18 with a new component on police response to incidents with emotionally disturbed people.

The academy is designed to give insights into the basics of police work. Participants will get involved in crime scene investigations, domestic violence situations, deadly force scenarios and police dog demonstrations.

This year, they will also learn more about situations involving emotionally disturbed people. They will be taught by Laurie Cyr-Martel, the Police Department’s crisis intervention officer who recently published a book on the subject.

Police will also offer insights into child abuse, gang investigations, patrol issues and hiring practices at the Police Department. Participants will also learn about drunken driving investigations and speed enforcement.

Lewiston police have been offering citizen academies since 1998. Participants get in the middle of mock crime scenes and hit the streets with officers on the job.

“The people love it, year after year,” said Officer Jason Nadeau, one of the organizers of the incoming academy class. “They learn a lot about what we do, and they have fun.”

The intent of the police academy is to improve relations with the public. The more information the public has, the less suspicion, fear and misconceptions will exist, organizers of the academy believe.

Participants meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays for three months. The academies have been so popular in the past, police now offer an alumni course for those who have already gone through the Citizen Police Academy.

Class size for the 2005 academy is limited to 20 people and applications will be taken until the first of December. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and are subject to background checks.

Applications may be obtained at the Police Department or its Web site at www.lewistonpd.org. Anyone interested in more information about the academy may also call Nadeau at 784-6422, ext. 321.