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Law enforcement responds to sexual assault cases

Local law enforcement is responding to recent sexual assault cases in the Madison County and Huntsville area by reminding the public to stay vigilant.

Huntsville Police spokesman Dr. Harry Hobbs said the department is launching a Citizens Police Academy for people who want to learn how to protect themselves.

As for any sexual assault trends, Hobbs they're not seeing any unusual spikes in such incidents, but they do notice a trend in the sort of situations when they happen.

"For a city of our size with the population growth that we've had, the number of rapes seem to be about comparable to any other city our size," Hobbs said.

Police said in general, rapes tend to occur in the late evening and early morning hours. Victims are also usually alone when it happens and many cases involve the presence of alcohol.

Police advise individuals to pair up with someone if they go out late at night or early in the morning and to carry self-defense weapons like pepper spray.

Hobbs said exact numbers of sexual assault cases reported in Huntsville will be released in a comprehensive report in coming weeks.

The Citizens Police Academy will consist of free crime prevention courses and expects to launch by this spring, according to Hobbs.

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