Area residents are invited to sign up for this year’s Citizens Academy hosted by the Maple Valley and Covington police departments in partnership with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Academy classes will be at 6 p.m. every Thursday beginning Thursday through May 28 at the Lake Wilderness Lodge.

The departments have collaborated to design a program to increase the understanding between citizens and their police department through education. It is their 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.

The class size is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. The Citizens Academy is free.

Applicants must be 18 years old, live in King County and have no prior felony convictions.

All applicants must pass a criminal history background check.

Applications are available at the Maple Valley Police Department, Covington Police Department, King County Sheriffs Office-Precinct Three and on the City of Maple Valley website, www.ci.maple-valley.wa.us

For information contact Maple Valley Storefront Officer Jeff Harmon or Robin Larsen at (425) 413-5158.