KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Ever wonder what it really takes to operate a police department, or what it takes to be in law enforcement?

Well now is your chance.

The Kirksville Police Department is accepting application for their Kirksville Citizen's Police Academy.

The academy provides community members with insight into general police operations and specifically those of local law enforcement.

During the program students will tour all local law enforcement agencies and hear from their Chief Executives.

“We really want to do this to get the public to understand what we do in law enforcement,” said Deputy Chief Tim King of the Kirksville Police Department. “A lot of what you see on TV and things like that is not accurate, and not what happens on a daily basis.

Students will learn about search, seizure and arrests from the prosecuting attorney, accident investigation, dispatch, officer safety, SWAT, investigations, crime scene processing and patrol functions to name a few.

“This academy is really for anyone who just wants a better knowledge of what law enforcement is about, you know if you have questions you want answered, or just curious to see what we do,” King said.

Participants will also have an opportunity to shoot at the range and participate in a ride-along.

The classes will be held once per week, on Tuesday evenings, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

 The academy will start on August 14th and run for 13 weeks. Graduation will be held on week 14.

The Kirksville Police Department is now accepting applications. They can be picked up at the police department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Applicants should live and work in Adair County and a criminal background will be done on all applicants.

If you have any questions or would like to register for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy, please contact Academy Coordinators Keri Rogers or Brenda Kelsey at 660-785-6945 or email at krogers@kirksvillecity.com or bkelsey@kirksvillecity.com.