Pierce County Sheriff's Academy Coming to University Place in February

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department's Community Academy, which provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about local law enforcement, is accepting applications for two sessions this winter.

South Hill Academy: The Wednesday evening classes begin Jan. 25 and will meet once a week at the South Hill Precinct, 160th and Meridian.

University Place Academy: The Thursday evening classes begin Feb. 23 at the , 3609 Marketplace W.

Both sessions meet from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The course seeks to familiarize the public with all aspects of the Sheriff's Department and provides insight into the practices of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The academy also affords an opportunity to meet Sheriff Paul Pastor and other department members.

The class covers constitutional law, procedures of patrol deputies, detectives, internal investigations, narcotics, K-9, crime analysis, domestic violence and more. Field trips are scheduled to the 9-1-1 Communications Center, the Pierce County Jail and the Marksman firing range.

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. Fingerprinting will be required prior to final acceptance into the program.

Applications are available here.