Waterford — The police department will begin accepting applications for its 2013 Waterford Police Citizen’s Academy beginning January 1.

Anyone who lives or works in Waterford may apply to the program, sponsored by the Waterford Rotary Club.

The academy is limited to 25 participants and is scheduled to run every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m., during the weeks of March 7 to May 23, 2013. Minimum age for the academy is 17, with a parental waiver.

Subjects that will be covered during the academy will include the history of the Waterford Police Department, life at the police academy, offensive/defensive tactics, criminal investigations, the police canine program, undercover assignments, task forces and more.

Participants in the academy will also have hands-on opportunities, chances to ride along with an officer and view canine and taser demonstrations.

Upon completion of the 12-week academy, members will receive a free class shirt and certificate of completion.

Applications for the citizen’s police academy can be picked up and completed at the Waterford Police Station anytime after Jan. 1 and can also be completed and submitted online through the department’s web site, www.waterfordpolice.org.

For more information, call Officer Marc Balestracci at (860) 442-9451 or email mbalestracci@waterfordct.org.