(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – If you attended the first Fairbanks-area Alaska State Trooper Citizen Academy last spring, you’d know D Detachment troopers provide public safety throughout an area that is slightly larger than California and almost one-third the size of Alaska. If you missed it, you have another chance to learn about the geographically largest trooper detachment at the second citizen academy offered in Fairbanks. Slots are still open for the 11-week academy that starts on March 13. Application deadline is 4 p.m. on Feb. 28.

The AST program is based on Citizen Police Academy model being formed by police agencies throughout the country. CPAs are intended to open the lines of communication between the community and their local police and help expand a police agency’s community-based efforts. AST’s Citizen Academy can also alleviate some misunderstanding by providing citizens a firsthand look at the statutes, regulations and policies that guide troopers in their daily duties.

The academy will meet 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Thursday until May 22, and possibly a few Saturday afternoons. Classes will be held at the D Detachment Headquarters at 1979 Peger Road in Fairbanks unless otherwise instructed.

Advance registration is required for the academy. Applicants must be at least 18-years old and reside in Alaska. Additionally, participants must pass a background investigation including a criminal history check. Felony and some misdemeanor convictions will preclude participation in the AST Citizens Academy. Class size is limited to 15 people.

Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the Alaska State Trooper post on Peger Road or found on the AST Public Information Office website at https://www.dps.alaska.gov/PIO/citizenacademy.aspx

To read more about the AST Citizen Academy, check out the Trooper Times stories listed on the AST Public Information Office website. For more information about the Fairbanks Citizen Academy, contact Paige Talvi at (907)451-5100.