SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield police is offering its 39th installment of the Citizens Police Academy for city residents beginning March 4 at 6 p.m..

The 10-week class exposes participants to different aspects of police work and how the department functions. Topics will include traffic enforcement, narcotics investigations, quality-of-life issues, gangs, crime prevention and analysis, community policing, and internal affairs investigations.

The course is intended to help participants have a better understanding of how the department works.

Classes will be each Wednesday beginning March 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the East Springfield Neighborhood Building at 1437 Carew St. behind the Pottinger School.

Enrollment is free for city residents age 18 or older who are interested in policing and community partnerships. To register, or to learn more, call Kathleen Brown at the Springfield police, (413) 787-6359, or send her an email at Kbrown@springfieldpolice.net. Please include your name, address and phone number.