The Bainbridge Island Police Department is gearing up for its next Citizens’ Police Academy.

Bainbridge residents who are interested in law enforcement can apply for a free, hands-on learning experience with the Bainbridge department. The Citizens’ Police Academy gives residents an inside view on how the Bainbridge Island Police Department functions, and includes everything from traffic enforcement, narcotics and criminal law, to defensive tactics and investigations.

City officials note the academy is not intended to prepare people for a career in law enforcement, but is an opportunity to give community members a chance to see how public safety is achieved, and better understand the types of challenges officers face daily.

The Citizens’ Academy is only offered once a year. The 2015 program runs from Tuesday, Feb. 10 through Tuesday, April 14. Classes are held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday nights, with two optional Saturday sessions. Students also have the opportunity to visit the CenCom 911 dispatch center, the Kitsap County Coroner’s Office and the Kitsap County Jail.

“The program was started to give citizens insight into what officers do while on patrol,” explained Chief of Police Matthew Hamner. “It’s a great opportunity, as students get to gain a perspective of what happens behind the scenes, while also having the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the officers who serve them.”

Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and the class size is limited to 20 students.

For questions or an application, call the Bainbridge Island Police Department at 206-842-5211, or visit the police page on the city website at http://www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us/135/Citizens-Academy.