Citizens interested in better understanding of law enforcement’s role in the criminal justice system can register for the 2014 Citizen’s Police Academy.

The King County Sheriffs’ Office collaborates with the Maple Valley and Covington Police Departments to help increase the understanding between citizens and their police departments through education. The citizens’ academy is a primarily classroom based and the lessons provide hands on learning about law enforcement. A few of the courses covered include: patrol procedures, firearms, 911 communications, narcotics, K-9, major crimes investigations, major accident investigations, defensive tactics and hostage negotiations.

The academy will be held every Thursday evening from April 3-June 5, from 6–9 p.m., at the Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley. The three agencies say they will attempt to balance enrollment among the citizens of Maple Valley, Covington and residents of unincorporated King County.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and are subject to a background check prior to acceptance. There is no fee to attend.

Applications can be found on the Maple Valley Police website.