(Gallery) Golden Valley Police's New 'Curiosity Unit'

has a new department: The Curiosity Unit.  

20 local residents are enrolled in the second annual Citizens Police Academy.  They meet weekly at the Golden Valley Public Safety Building to get an insiders look at the law enforcement process.

CSI Miami fan and local realtor Nancy Lehrman took the class because she is fascinated by how police work is accomplished, “I want to know how they solve crimes,” she said.

On Tuesday, the three-hour session included; what qualifications are needed to become a police officer, what cops experience while patrolling on the streets, how impaired drivers are identified and a squad car tour.  

According to GVPD Crime analyst Joanne Paul, the popular six-week course attracts several different types of citizens.

“It can be anyone, from the stay at home mom, people who work in other areas of the law enforcement process to senior citizens,” said Paul. The class is only offered in the spring and has just 20 spots which have filled up fast during the last two registration periods.

During the course of the program, “citizen cadets” get insight on several topics including; the Hennepin County crime lab, swat team, weapons and the 911 system. Participants even get the chance to do ride-alongs with officers once they have completed the course.

Evie Ingber said she loves what she is learning and even joked “Now, I think I am a detective.”