(Rio Rancho) — The Rio Rancho Police Department is currently accepting applications for RRPD Citizens’ Police Academy Class 22-02.

The goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to keep the Rio Rancho Police Department connected with the community.

The academy provides citizens with a greater understanding of the services and programs the Rio Rancho Police Department has to offer. Presenters are officers from different divisions across the agency who are in the community every day. As citizens learn about the police department, they will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the badge, learn who they are, and what motivates them.

The Citizens’ Police Academy will consist of an in-person, 11-week course, one night per week (Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) at the Rio Rancho Police Department. The start date is Oct.r 18. The course includes hands-on learning, demonstrations and varying presentations on topics such as: patrol officer response, K9 Unit, SWAT, criminal investigations, and more.

The academy is open to current Rio Rancho residents and Rio Rancho business owners and will be limited to 30 students. The deadline to apply is October 10 6 p.m.

Citizens interested in attending can apply online at rrnm.gov/cpa or in person at 500 Quantum Rd NE Rio Rancho.