Beginning in February, the Jones County Sheriff's Department will host a "Citizens Academy."

The academy will allow county residents to learn about the department.

"So, they've got a better idea of exactly what we can and can't do," said Eddy Ingram, Jones County Sheriff Department training director. "There's a lot of misconception out there in the public about what police officers are supposed to do."

The program also will give people the chance to ask certain questions to clear confusion they may have about the department.

"'Why did y'all arrest so and so for this?'" Ingram said. "'Why did you allow this person to bond out?' There're a lot of underlying factors that the people don't know."

Jacquolyn Smith has lived in Laurel for a while now and said a lot is going on in her community that she wants to know about.

"It's just interesting to find out how it all works and how it all shows in the community," Smith said.

Ingram said the county is about 700 square miles, and a community's help is needed in certain situations.

Ingram said not only will citizens learn information, but will be taught defensive tactics as well. An eight-hour ride-along with deputies also will be required to graduate from he academy.

"We will have demonstrations from our K-9 units, we'll have investigators come in that explain their job," Ingram said.

Smith said the Citizens Academy will give her the push to join law enforcement.

"Hopefully, I pass, and, hopefully, I can take this training to becoming a police officer."

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