Starting in April, residents will have the chance to learn the ins and outs of being a police officer through the Maple Valley Police Department’s Citizens Academy.

The program, which is offered jointly with the King County Sheriff’s Office and Covington Police Department, allows students to learn about everything from how contract services work for cities like Covington and Maple Valley to patrol functions to identity theft to canine units and more.

Among the highlights of the course is a session at a firing range as well as getting an up close view of how Tasers work.

This year the academy starts April 7 and runs once a week on Thursdays through June 9.

“It is our hope that by the completion of the Academy, graduates will have gained a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system, and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society,” Maple Valley Police officials said in a statement.

Larry Larsen participated in the program in 2009. He was one of 25 students.

“The Citizens Academy is a great program, which really opened my eyes to the complexities that impact the men and women that work to protect our communities,” Larsen said in a statement. “The program gave me totally new perspectives about the issues and challenges our officers face every day. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone wishing to better understand how law enforcement units work in our communities.”

Applicants must be 18 years old, live in King County and have no prior felony convictions, according to the Maple Valley Police website. Anyone who submits an application will also be subject to a criminal background check.

For more information call 425-413-5158 or log on to the city of Maple Valley’s website at www.maplevalleywa.gov. Applications are also available on the site.