The Federal Way Police Department is accepting applications for its Citizens Police Academy, which begins Tuesday, April 3.

The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to create a better understanding and communication between citizens and police through education, the department said in a media release.

The intent is not to produce civilians trained in law enforcement, but to help community members better understand the city’s police department, and provides an opportunity for the residents to learn more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do.

As participants go through the academy, they gain a better understanding of the department’s decision-making processes, how and why policies are created, as well as what an officer faces everyday. More importantly, citizens can also determine for themselves how effective the department is in serving the community.

The Citizens Police Academy is a two-way educational process. While citizens are learning all about what police officers do on a daily basis, officers are also hearing how citizens feel about issues. The department gains an understanding of the concerns of residents and the perceptions they have of the police department.

The academy meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays beginning April 3 and ending on May 22. Classroom sessions cover topics such as patrol operations, SWAT, K-9 unit, criminal investigations and crime prevention.

Anyone who wants to learn more about how the Federal Way Police Department operates is encouraged to apply. Preference is given to those living or working in the Federal Way city limits. To apply, visit cityoffederalway.com/police and click on Citizens Academy.

For more information, contact Lindsey Sperry, crime analyst and prevention specialist, at Lindsey.Sperry@cityoffederalway.com or 253-835-6707.