The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department is looking for interested citizens to attend its fall Community Academy program. A Gig Harbor/Peninsula academy begins Sept. 24 and will meet each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for 10 weeks.

The academy is an opportunity for participants to learn firsthand about law enforcement in Pierce County and to meet the Sheriff and other department members. The course seeks to familiarize the public with all aspects of the Sheriff’s Department and provide insight into the practices of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

The class covers topics such as patrol procedures, use of force, detectives, narcotics, K-9, domestic violence, hiring and training, and more. Field trips are scheduled to the 9-1-1 Communications Center, Pierce County Jail, and Sheriff’s headquarters.

Pre-registration is required and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the class is filled. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and a photo I.D. is required after preliminary acceptance to the academy.

Interested citizens can register online or print and mail their application. Visit the Sheriff’s website at www.piercesheriff.org for more information. Click on “Get Involved” and then “Community Academy” to find the academy schedule. More information on the class will be sent once applications are received.