The Gainesville Police Department is set to kick off its sixth annual Business Police Academy on Sept. 9.

The police department is aiming the academy at business owners, managers and employees.

Participants must be at least 21 years old and will be subject to a background check.

Academy organizer and crime prevention officer Joe Britte said the 11-week course will include information especially beneficial to business owners.

"The lessons will include education on shoplifting prevention, identity theft, credit card fraud, counterfeit money and criminal investigations. Participants will also learn about robbery prevention, courtroom procedures and testimony," Britte said.

The registration deadline is Friday. Applications are available at www.gainesville.org, at the police department at Jesse Jewell Parkway or by calling crime prevention officer Joe Britte at 770-287-0893.