Registration is open for the fall Community Police Academy hosted by the Kent Police Department.

Classes are on Wednesday evenings, for 10 weeks starting Sept. 7, and ending on Nov. 9. The sessions are from 7 to 9 p.m.

There are two Saturday sessions (Oct. 1 and 22), which will include optional tours of the Kent Correctional Facility (city jail) and Valley Communications Center (911 facility) as well as presentations from detectives and evidence unit.

After attending the first four classes, participants are also eligible for a ride-along with an officer. Classes are at the Kent Police/Fire Training Center, 24611 116th Ave. SE. Applications are available at KentWA.gov/CommunityPoliceAcademy.

There is no cost. It is open to any adult 18 years or older that lives, works, or has an interest in the city of Kent and its police department. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For security reasons all applicants must pass a background check. People with a felony conviction or recent misdemeanor conviction are not eligible to participate.

The academy is delivered in a series of classes that offer straightforward, candid information regarding daily and specialized operations of the police department, while defining the agency’s role in the community.

A wide range of law enforcement topics will be discussed to include an overview of law enforcement, recruiting/hiring for new employees, traffic enforcement, investigations, narcotics, gangs, community education, use of force, SWAT, stress and chaplaincy and K-9 units.

Contact John Pagel at 253-856-5884 or email him at jpagel@kentwa.gov for additional information.