NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security has welcomed its inaugural class of citizen-troopers.

The class of 31 - 16 males and 15 females - will participate in a nine-week academy consisting of some 30 hours of training.

It's designed to give citizens a better understanding of the Tennessee Highway Patrol and homeland security responsibilities. Instructors will use a hands-on approach at the department's Nashville training center to educate citizens on the roles and responsibilities of state troopers.

The department's general duties involve driver license services, law enforcement, safety education and terrorism prevention.