JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Jamestown Police Chief Scott Edinger is thrilled with the turnout of their first ever Citizens Academy being held this fall.

The goal of the first academy was around 10 participants. Edinger told the Jamestown City Council that they had 15 sign up and most of them have been able to attend each Monday night class.

Edinger says some of the discussion and topics of the course have been eye opening for the participants.

Topics that have been covered include hot button topics such as use of force, traffic stops and threats police deal with, pursuits, criminal and traffic law and more. Edinger says they’ve also taken the academy participants out on the firing range. Councilmember Dan Buchanan commended the department for what they were accomplishing with the citizens academy.

Major Justin Blinsky and Sgt. Shange Gallagher have been leading the courses each Monday night. Chief Edinger says the next academy could be held in March of next year.