HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The Huntsville/Madison County Senior Crime Prevention Academy began Thursday afternoon at the City of Huntsville Public Safety Training Academy building located at 3011 Sparkman Drive.
The 14 week course, held bi-annually, is designed to help seniors know how to properly protect themselves and avoid becoming victims of both petty, and more sophisticated crimes.
A host of city and county agencies participate in educating course attendees.
“The classes are taught by the sheriff’s department, Huntsville Police, Madison Police, the fire department, the district attorney, Better Business Bureau, HEMSI as well as others,” explains Senior Crime Prevention Academy Coordinator Pat Colson.
Colson says the courses which have been held twice a year since 1996, are really all about empowerment and education.
“We try to help them not become victims of scams or crime and if they do, who to report it to.”
The courses cover everything from phone scams targeting the elderly to fire safety to how to protect property when you’re shopping or even away on vacation.
“And the important part is this is free. There’s no charge for it,” Colster reminds.
She says there are still a couple of spots open for this academy class. You can contact Pat Colster at 256-859-3919 for more information.
To attend the academy, residents must be able to provide their own transportation and attend three hours of training every Thursday afternoon for approximately three months.