The Boulder Police Department is starting its 25th Citizens Police Academy on Sept. 10 for community members interested in better understanding police operations and philosophy.

Classes will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday for 12 weeks, ending with a graduation ceremony Dec. 10.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday.

Accepted participants will hear from detectives about solved cases; SWAT members about their work and equipment; a crime analyst; and officials with the communications center, records department and officer safety and patrol divisions.

Academy students also will tour the Boulder County Jail, complete a ride-along with an officer and learn about the bomb squad.

Applicants must live or work in Boulder County and pass a criminal background check to be accepted.

Academy graduates are eligible to join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which has monthly programs with speakers discussing law enforcement-related topics. Alumni also help with some police events and training scenarios.

Since the academy's first year in 1992, nearly 710 community members have attended the classes. Members range in age from 18 to 86 and come from a variety of professional and student settings.

For more information or to register, contact training coordinator Karen Mullenix at 303-441-4325 or mullenixk@bouldercolorado.gov.