FOLEY, Ala. - The sixth class of the Citizens Police Academy, hosted by the Foley Police Department, saw residents better learn traffic patrol codes and procedures as part of a two-week section in preparation of being on shift with an officer and making live traffic stops.

Cpl. Kevin Carnley and Officer Aaron Morin, of the Foley PD Professional Development Unit, led the class through a brief rundown of vehicle traffic stops.

"We did a brief demonstration of what kind of things to be looking for when approaching the vehicles," Morin said, noting four suggestions the class learned about for traffic stops included: checking the trunk or truck bed; check for movement inside the vehicle; watch the hands; and have lighting objects for night.

The reason for checking trunks and truck beds is to make sure no one jumps out of the vehicle.

"(Also, it) leaves our fingerprints on the car to show that we have been in contact with that vehicle. In the case of a truck, we are making sure no one comes out of the bed of the truck, but we are also putting a fingerprint on the tailgate," Morin said via email when asked what types of tips the residents learned about.

The reason officers should check for any movement is because of the possibility the driver or a passenger is attempting to retrieve a weapon or hide contraband, Morin said.

The class also learned a bit more about the use of pepper spray and Tasers. Officer Tommy Smith gave a live demonstration for the class on how a Taser works.

"The Taser actually comes with a set of alligator clips where we clip one just above hie shoulder and one right at his belt line, and (we) gave (Officer Smith) a two-second dose of it," Morin said.

Residents had the chance to expose themselves to pepper spray inside a concealed room, Morin said.

"We had a towel and sprayed the towel with it and had people go into a room two at a time and shut the door and be in the room," Morin said.

The class also watched videos of Foley officers being tased, including Massey and Police Chief David Wilson.

The next class, which will take place Thursday, will involve the residents role playing while practicing the traffic stop codes and procedures. Residents will get behind the wheel of a patrol vehicle and pull classmates over, Massey said. This is in preparation for when the class members ride with a Foley PD officer during a patrol shift.

"A majority of the class this week will be on the traffic stops," Morin said.

"This next Thursday we will be getting everyone in the cars and making traffic stops, using the radar and issuing tickets."