(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) is accepting applications for its Citizens’ Academy which begins on Tuesday, April 1.

The academy is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. over five weeks. Those who participate in the academy will be given a broad overview and insight into the various functions of EPSO.

Participants will learn about topics such as the use of force, illegal marijuana, targeted traffic enforcement, and emergency services including Wildland Fire and Search & Rescue, SWAT, K9 training, jail operations, and civil process.

Detectives will walk through the intricacies of a criminal investigation and a tour of the El Paso County Jail will demonstrate the unique detention challenges staff face.

There is no charge to attend the academy; however, applicants are required to pass a standard background check and seating is limited to the first 40 applications received.

Those interested in the Citizens’ Academy can download and print an application from the Sheriff’s Office website or contact the Community Affairs team at [email protected] to request an application.