The Rio Rancho Police Department is accepting applications for its first Citizens’ Police Academy class of the year.

“The goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to keep the Rio Rancho Police Department connected with our community,” according to a news release from the department. “The academy provides citizens with a greater understanding of all of the services and programs the Rio Rancho Police Department has to offer.”

Officers from different divisions within RRPD give presentations on their work and specialties during the academy. The curriculum also involves hands-on activities, as well as demonstrations.

Topics include patrol officer response, the K9 unit, SWAT and criminal investigations.

“As citizens learn about our police department, they will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the badge, learn who we are and what motivates us,” according to the release.

The Citizens’ Police Academy is an in-person, 11-week course, meeting from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Rio Rancho Police Department. It starts March 29.

The Citizens’ Police Academy also has an alumni volunteer group that supports RRPD officers.

The academy is open to Rio Rancho residents and business owners, and limited to 30 students. The application deadline is 4 p.m. March 14.

People can apply online at rrnm.gov/cpa or in person at RRPD, 500 Quantum Road.