Residents signed up for Berwyn’s Citizen’s Police Academy begin their 12-week course Wednesday.

Residents had to be at least 21 years old and without a felony conviction or arrests on misdemeanor charges during the past year in order to be eligible for the course, according to the Berwyn Police Department. Applications had to be turned in by Jan. 6 to the police department, 6401 W. 31st St.

During the course, residents may view canine demonstrations, participate in a four-hour police ride-along, and watch as dispatchers handle calls, the police department said. Students also may learn about DUI, traffic, criminal and juvenile laws, crime scene and arson investigations, drugs and gangs.