PRESTONSBURG – Kentucky State Police will be conducting what is being called a Citizen’s Police Academy at each of its 16 posts across the state this fall.

Pikeville’s Post 9 is currently taking applications for its academy, a 10-week training course which will be held Oct. 8 through Dec. 10 at Prestonsburg High School.

The academy training will cover the 10-week period beginning on Oct. 8 and then will meet on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. after Dec. 10.

According to Trooper Mike Goble, public information officer for KSP Post 9, the academy will enable students to learn about the many aspects of state police operations including patrol and criminal and drug investigations. Students will also get to take part in simulated traffic stops and evidence collection, Goble said.

Applications can be found online at www.kentuckystatepolice.org/post/post09.htm, or by calling Post 9 at (606) 433-7711. In order to be eligible, prospective students must at least 18 years old and live within the Post 9 area of Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Martin or Magoffin counties.

The academy is free and once applications are completed they should be sent to: Att: TFC Mike Goble U/762, 3499 N. Mayo Trail, Pikeville, Ky. 41501.

Applications can also be emailed to Goble at MikeGoble@ky.gov.