The fall session of the King County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy will begin Wednesday, Sept. 5, with weekly classes running through graduation on Dec. 5.

Presented by the sheriff's office and the Burien and SeaTac police departments, the citizen's academy is open to residents of Burien, SeaTac and the North Highline unincorporated area and people who work in these communities.

Graduates leave the program with a better understanding of law enforcement in the criminal justice system and the work and responsibilities of police officers.

Classes include the Green River Task Force, emergency vehicle operations, major accident response and reconstruction, patrol procedures, K-9 and street crime units, bomb disposal and the Tac 30 Unit (SWAT), major crimes investigations, white-collar crimes and hands-on firearms training.

Burien Police Sgt. Henry McLauchlan, SeaTac Police Master Police Officer Marcus Williams, Burien Police Community Service Officer Nicki Maraulja and SeaTac Police Community Service Officer Eloise Kruger are the citizens' academy staff, supported by guest speakers from throughout the sheriff's office.

Classes are held at the Washington Law Enforcement Training Academy in Burien.

Registration including a background check is required of all participants.

For information or to apply, contact CSO Kruger at 206-973-4915 or ekruger@ci.seatac.wa.us, CSO Jessica Gilleland at 206-973-4917 or gilleljl@ci.seatac.wa.us, or CSO Maraulja at 206-296-3333 or nicki.maraulja@metrokc.gov.