The Ceres Police Department will launch the next Community Academy that will begin on August 8.

The Community Academy is an 11-week course held between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Thursday nights. It is free to any Ceres resident or person employed in Ceres.

The Ceres Department of Public Safety created this program to equip local business owners, employees, and citizens with the necessary tools to prevent crime, be alert witnesses, and good reporters of crime. The Academy will provide education on crime trends and teach situational awareness to help citizens become less-likely victims of crime.

"With this program, it is our hope that we can forge a stronger a partnership between our citizens, local businesses, and the Ceres Police Department to thwart criminal activity in our community," said Public Safety Director Art deWerk. "Participants in this program will become leaders in their neighborhoods, sharing their knowledge with others to make our neighborhoods safer, protect business interests, and make it clear to criminals that they are not welcome here."

Everyone is encouraged to apply, although seating is limited. All persons applying will be subject to a background check. Applicants may access the application via this link: http://www.ci.ceres.ca.us/index-CeresCommunityAcademyApplication.pdf or in person at the Ceres Police Department, 2727 Third Street, Ceres, weekdays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. All completed applications must include a copy of the applicant's photo ID and be received either by mail or by hand-delivery no later than July 24.