The 13-week course of lectures, demonstrations, and field trips was modeled after the English bobby "night school"; its participants have included journalists, insurance claim representatives, business owners, minority leaders, and local politicians. Today, there is a waiting list for the biannual sessions. Speakers at the Academy cover topics including training evaluation, DNA fingerprinting, and the psychology of mass killers. CAP participants ride on patrol and wear photo IDs that give them access to headquarters. The police department in Mesa (Arizona) operates a similar type of program, which aims to promote a positive image of the department and to establish better communications with the town residents. The curriculum introduces citizens to departmental organizations and personnel, their role in the community, the services and functions of specialized units, and departmental regulations and procedures.