Clarice Thompson isn’t a police officer, but the East Lansing resident prides herself on knowing how to act like one.

Thompson participated in the East Lansing Citizens’ Police Academy last spring. Applications for the academy’s second session, running from Wednesday through Dec. 5, will be accepted through Wednesday or until the class is full.

“Over the bridge table, I can impart a few facts when people say ‘Why don’t the police do this or that?’” she said. “It was so thorough and so hands on that it was very, very exciting. It was very all- encompassing.”

East Lansing Sgt. Patricia Nowak, the academy’s coordinator, said the 20-student class will learn about use of force, patrol procedure, community policing, hiring and training, criminal investigation and the legal system during the three-hour, weekly class periods.

“The biggest thing we want people to do is know who we are,” she said. “We want the student views, we want the neighborhood views. We want a whole diverse attitude. It’s a variety, and that’s what we really encourage.”

The 11-week program was created last spring based on similar classes offered in Lansing and Meridian Township. The academy’s first session received positive reviews from each of the 20 participants.

“I really think it was incredibly successful,” Nowak said. “It’s just unfortunate that we can’t get more numbers through. We had people that are challenging us, and that’s great. I think it was really eye-opening.”

K-9 demonstrations, “drunk goggles,” jail tours, ride-alongs and firearm simulations filled class periods with more than just lecture time.

Criminal justice and psychology freshman Andrea Olson said the academy was a good compliment for her classes and a stepping stone to her job as a cadet for the department.

“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer and that was a way to find out more about the department without becoming one,” she said.

Aside from police training, Olson said the academy acquainted her better with the community.

“It’s great for anybody who wants to know more about the area that they’re living in,” Olson said.

Applications are available at the East Lansing Police Department desk, 101 Linden St., East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road or online at www.ci.east-lansing.mi.us. Classes begin 6 p.m. Wednesday in the East Lansing Police Squad Room, 409 Park Lane.