AUBURN — The Auburn and Lewiston Police Departments announce their collaboration on a combined Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The collaborative academy, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 10, is a 14-week program for residents of Androscoggin County.

Thea academy will offer insight into how local police officers perform their duties and how the two departments serve their communities.

The goal is to foster better communication between citizens and police through education. Participants learn about the structure and activities of their police department, share their knowledge and experiences with their friends and neighbors and often go on to become volunteers with the departments.

The CPA is a series of informational classes, a behind-the-scenes look at the APD and LPD. The program operates on the premise that informed and educated citizens will be more supportive of police officers and will be more productive in their own neighborhood and community.

Both law enforcement agencies have offered Citizens Police Academies for several years, but this is the first time that they have combined their efforts to offer the course as a team.

“We all benefit from enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of the police department,” said Auburn Deputy Chief Jason Moen. “Participants will not be trained as police officers, but will get a fun and informative overview of the departments’ functions and operation.”

Participants will meet at the Auburn and the Lewiston police departments, alternating each Monday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. All of the course instructors are members of the law enforcement profession and will present material on such topics as patrol functions, use of force, domestic violence, drug enforcement and crime scene investigation.

Class size is limited and will be filled on a first-come basis. Participants must attend at least10 classes to pass the academy. A background check will be performed on all applicants. Applicants with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds will not be accepted.

Anyone interested in receiving an application should visit the Auburn Police Department, One Minot Ave., the Lewiston Police Department, 171 Park St., visit www.auburnpd.com to download the application, or contact Liz Allen, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) coordinator, at 333-6650 or lallen@auburnmaine.gov. Application deadline is Friday, Aug. 7.