Those interested in taking a closer look at the daily lives of Sierra Vista’s finest will have the chance thanks to an upcoming 12-week course taught by officers and department staff themselves.

The Sierra Vista Citizen’s Police Academy will give about two dozen community members the opportunity to learn about police investigative techniques, firearms scenarios, the use of force and much more during its annual class, said Molly Schmitt, recruiter and volunteer coordinator for the Sierra Vista Police Department.

Started in 1998, the academy is designed to “develop citizens’ awareness and understanding of law enforcement” and to “broaden their horizons about what we do and how and why we do it,” Schmidt said.

Since then, more than 300 people have gone through the program, at least three of whom have gone on to become officers with the department. More still went on to become volunteers with the department, she said.

Along with the more hands-on lessons in fingerprinting, crime scene investigation and street gang identification, the program will offer a number of academic lessons on the history of the department and the town, constitutional law and more.

In its initial years, the program was held twice a year, but budget and time constraints have reduced it to an annual program, Schmitt said.

The limited availability of spots ensures a full class each year.

“I had 15 applicants overflow into this year’s academy from the previous year,” she said.

The event is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives or works within the Sierra Vista area, has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving violence or weapons and has had no misdemeanor arrests within the past six months.

The Citizen’s Police Academy begins Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continues each following Wednesday.

Applications will be accepted until the course is full and can be found at www.sierravistaaz.gov/pd. For more information, contact Schmitt at 452-7500.

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