TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) – Members of the community will have the chance to partner with local law enforcement during a Citizen Police Academy the Twin Falls Police Department will host for several weeks beginning in September.

The academy, scheduled for Sept. 14 through Nov. 22, is not to train persons on becoming police officers, but to give them a better understanding of the many functions of an active police department.

“The purpose is to bring people in and show them what we do as a police department,” said Sgt. Justin Dimond, noting the program is geared to be interactive and fun. Those who sign up will participate in hands-on activities. “Every week they’ll learn something different.”

Class members will, among other things, learn the functions of patrol officers, SWAT team and members of the bomb squad. The Twin Falls Fire Department also will be involved.

The free class is being limited to 25 individuals. You can get an application at the front lobby of the police department or print one from the city's website. A background check will be conducted once your application is received. Questions or for more information, contact Dimond at jdimond@tfid.org or call 735-7324.

It’s been a number of years since the police department held a citizens academy. Dimond said he hopes this one will be something that participants will share with their family and friends.

“My hope is that some of the questions of citizens will be answered,” he said. “I also hope they’ll put in a good word for us as a department so that the next time we hold an academy there’ll be even more interest in it. We’d like to see a full class.”

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