The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department’s Community Academy is an opportunity for citizens to learn firsthand about law enforcement and the department’s role. Two sessions will be starting in coming weeks, and applications are now being accepted.

Academy sessions will be starting Jan. 22 at the department’s South Hill Precinct and March 4 at the Rosedale Fire Station, Gig Harbor. Classes meet from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Class size is limited to 30 persons, and pre-registration is required. Applications are available at http://www.piercesheriff.org (click on Community Academy, then application). Registration deadline is Jan. 13 for South Hill and Feb. 13 for Gig Harbor Peninsula.

The course is designed to familiarize the public with all aspects of the Sheriff’s Department and provides insight into the practices of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The academy also affords an opportunity to meet the sheriff and other department members.

The classes cover constitutional law, procedures of patrol deputies, detectives, internal
investigations, narcotics, K-9, crime analysis and domestic violence. Field trips are scheduled to the 9-1-1 Communications Center, Forensics, Jail and the Firing Range.