During the week of Nov. 10-14, Demopolis citizens may see an increased police presence in town, but it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.

Demopolis will host a training class for tactical officers from police and sheriff’s departments from across the state. The class is a state certified SWAT Team Training Course that will be held at Demopolis Police Department headquarters and other locations around the city and county.

DPD Chief Tommie Reese said officers will undergo live training exercises, including building searches and working hostage situations.

He added that bringing this week-long session to Demopolis will help defray costs and help bring revenue into the local economy because many of the officers will be staying in local hotels and eating at local restaurants.

Reese said a side effect of having the class in Demopolis is the alarm that can be caused when the general public sees a high volume of officers rushing into a building with guns drawn.

“Should you see officers outside running down the streets wearing camouflage gear, don’t be alarmed,” Reese said. “It’s only a training exercise. We just don’t want anyone to see what’s going on and panic. Everything is fine.”

If anyone has any concerns or questions, contact DPD at (334) 289-3073.