The Vicksburg Police Department (VPD) has announced the dates for this year’s Citizens’ Academy, a program local law enforcement said helps residents better understand the men and women working to keep them safe.

“This program was implemented in 2023 to actually give our citizens an opportunity to get as true a perspective as they can get of what we do without actually suiting up in uniform,” VPD Deputy Chief of Police Troy Kimble told The Post earlier this year. 

This year’s academy will begin Tuesday, Oct. 15, and will continue for 10 weeks, with two-hour classes held each Tuesday.

And while Kimble said the academy gives citizens a better understanding of how VPD makes decisions and handles situations, officials said it also delves deeper into the core values and culture of the department.

“The Citizens’ Academy is designed to educate the citizens of Vicksburg on the mission, vision and values of the department, as well as policies, procedures and day-to-day operations,” VPD said this week in a statement. “The academy provides the participants with a unique inside look at the Vicksburg Police Department and presents an opportunity to increase the public’s understanding of the department.” 

During a town hall held earlier this year, Kimble said residents often lodge complaints about situations, but may not fully understand the way in which VPD personnel must combat specific problems.  

“That’s what we wanted to do, was give you an opportunity to see what we do from our side of the house,” Kimble said. “And once you’ve experienced it, then maybe there’s a little bit more empathy about how we handle things and how things are done, and that we’re really not out there to be the bad guys.”

VPD officials said education is always the key to a better relationship between law enforcement and the community.

“By highlighting the role, capabilities and limitations of the department, this course helps to increase the level of trust, respect and sense of understanding and awareness between the community we serve and law enforcement.”

VPD said the classes for this year’s third annual Citizens’ Academy will be comprehensive, covering a different area of the police department, and criminal justice system as a whole, each week. Classes will be held at the Vicksburg Police Department Training Room, located at 820 Veto St.

VPD said classes sizes are limited to approximately 10-15 people and admission is open to all residents of Warren County. Anyone interested in joining the classes may pick up applications at the department’s front desk. Completed applications should be returned to VPD no later than Friday, Oct. 11.

For any questions or concerns, calls may be directed to VPD at 601-636-2511.