VIDALIA — The Vidalia Police Department is looking to help train a few area residents how to better help them help others.

Starting May 7, the VPD will offer a Citizen’s Police Academy every Thursday for six weeks in Vidalia City Hall.

The academy is open to all residents of Concordia Parish, and has the goal of helping foster better communication between residents and the law enforcement, said VPD Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Georganna Berry said.

“This class will tell them the things they can look for as far as crime in the neighborhood,” Berry said.

“It’s telling them what dispatchers expect when they call, what details to look for when they are reporting crimes.”

Residents having a better knowledge of what police need to know when a crime is called in will ultimately improve the Neighborhood Watch program, Berry said.

“They will be more alert and be able to give us more information,” she said.

While the Academy is open to residents from around the parish and not just Vidalia, those who wish to attend have to fill out an application and pass a screening. Those with past felonies won’t be eligible to attend.

Applications for the Academy can be picked up at the Vidalia Police Department at 202 Vernon Stevens Blvd., and those wishing for more information can contact Berry at 318-336-5254.

Applications will also be available at the Vidalia Neighborhood Watch meeting Thursday, which will start at 6 p.m. in the Concordia Bank Community Room.

Berry said the public is welcome to attend the Neighborhood Watch meeting.