Have you ever been interested in how the Police Department really works? Or wondered what it’s like to be a Police Officer? How does Renton compare to CSI?

Citizens have an opportunity to find out at the Renton Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy, designed to educate Renton residents and business merchants in how the Police Department operates. The Academy includes an optional ride-along with a patrol officer and tours of the 9-1-1 dispatch center, police department and jail.

The 12-week academy meets once a week, from 7 until 9 p.m., and is offered twice a year.

The next session is scheduled to begin March 7. Recent classes have filled quickly, so the city recommends not waiting to submit your application. Applications can be downloaded at rentonwa.gov/uploadedFiles/Living/POLICE/Citizen’sAcademyApplication.pdf.

To receive an application by mail please contact Terri Vickers at 425-430-7520 or via email.

Class size is limited to 25 students, and you must be at least 18 years old to attend. Priority may be given to applicants who live and work in the City. You will be advised by mail if you are accepted into the Academy. Criminal history or a record of adverse police contacts may preclude acceptance into the Academy.

Class topics may include:

• Patrol Operations;

• Support Services Bureau;

• S.W.A.T.;

• Traffic Division;

• Investigations Division;

• Public Disclosure and Media Relations;

• Criminal Investigations;

• Gangs in Renton;

• Animal Control;

• Jail Tour and Electronic Home Detention Demo;

• Response to Traumatic Incidents;

• Narcotics K-9;

• Court Procedures;

• Hostage Negotiations;

• Generalist K-9 Unit; and

• Automated Fingerprint Identification System