Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a police officer? This is your chance to get some insight in to law enforcement and to meet some of your local police personnel.

The City of Mountlake Terrace Police Department is hosting the Police Citizens Academy on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Avenue West. The 11-week program begins April 21 and runs through June 30 concluding with a graduation reception for all participants and their families. The deadline to apply for the Police Citizens Academy is 5 p.m. on March 31. Space is limited to the first 30 people accepted, so prompt registration is recommended.

Training sessions include information and demonstrations by K-9, SWAT, Narcotics, Records, Evidence Handling, and a ride-along with an Officer. Applicants must be willing to sign a waiver authorizing a background check for acceptance into the program and commit to attending all or most of the classes. Notification of acceptance will be made once the 30 openings have been filled.

Brandon Richards, owner of Seattle Tae Kwon Do, went through the program last year and highly recommends it:

Growing up the son of a Deputy Sherrif, teaching defensive tactics to law enforment and being a graduate of FBI Citizen’s Academy, gave me a motivation to attend the Mountlake Terrace Police Citizen’s Academy in 2010. It was a profound experience because I got a first had glimpse to what my father encountered on the job as well as learned all the parts of the Mountalke Terrace Police Department. I came to fully realize how thin the blue line was and how much we need to support our local law enforcement. These brave men and women are putting their lives on the line everyday to keep us safe.

I would highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to better understand what the Mountlake Terrace Police Department does for us. This is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the state. Thank you to the men and women in blue!

People interested in attending can download an application from the city’s website, CityOfMLT.com, or pick one up at the Police Station located at 5906 232nd St SW. Completed applications can be returned to the police department.

For additional information, please contact Officer Kim Berg at (425) 670-8260, x 4418 or Management Analyst Joie Worthen at (425) 670-8260, x 4408 or email them at mltpd@ci.mlt.wa.us.