DOWNEY – The Downey Police Department is now recruiting people for its 21st Citizens Academy, a 10-week program that exposes residents and business professionals to various aspects of law enforcement and the day-to-day operations of Downey PD.

To ensure personalized instruction for each participant, the class size is limited to 20 people.

Classes are held Wednesdays from 6-9 pm and begin Aug. 4.

Meanwhile, the department is also launching its first Downey Youth Academy.

Open to current high school students, the program runs Oct. 13 through Dec. 15 and meets Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. The Youth Academy will mirror the Citizens Academy but it exclusively for teens.

To apply for either the Citizens Academy or Youth Academy, email Momi Cervantes at mcervantes@downeyca.org, Marisela Cortes at mcortes@downeyca.org or Sgt. Todd Lockwood at tlockwood@downeyca.org.

Applications can also be picked up at the front counter of the Downey Police Department’s lobby.