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. The 13-week session will start Feb. 10 at the South Hill Precinct. Classes will meet from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings. The registration deadline is Jan. 22, or until the class is filled.

Class size is limited to 30 people, and preregistration is required. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Applications are available at http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/sheriff/academyapp.htm.

The course will 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 911 communications center, forensics, jail and the marksman firing range.