The Suffolk Police Department has announced it will hold its first Senior Citizens Academy, starting on April 29 and running each Wednesday morning through June 10.

The academy has the goal of improving personal safety and learning how the police department operates through presentations and demonstrations, according to a city press release.

“The active older adult population is a vital part of the Suffolk community, and this academy is designed to provide valuable information to keep them safe and well informed,” Police Chief Thomas Bennett said. “We also believe that older adults and retirees are an untapped resource for volunteerism and look forward to sharing the ways they might help make our department even better.”

The weekly sessions will be held at Suffolk Police Headquarters, located at 111 Henley Place, from 9 a.m. to noon. Topics to be covered include personal safety, cyber safety, volunteering, navigating a terrorist incident and handling encounters with police. A tour of the new E-911 facility at city hall, as well as a tour of the Suffolk Police Department Command Vehicle, SWAT and Marine Patrol demonstrations, and much more also will be offered.

Citizens wishing to participate can complete their applications online at www.suffolkva.us/spd or mail their completed applications to Suffolk Police Department, Attn: Sgt. Cheryl Balzer, 111 Henley Place, Suffolk, VA 23434. A background check will be completed on all persons applying to participate. For more information, call 514-7913.