Law enforcement officials are touting an upcoming course for the public to gain hands-on experience on how the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Joseph Police Department operate.

Each year the departments team-up for a Joint Citizens Law Enforcement Academy.  Around 3o community members can participate in the eight-week course.

Police Chief Chris Connally said there’s no charge to attend.  However, participants have to be 18 or older and pass a background check.

“You get into things like crime scene investigations and some of the tools that we have and some of the realities that may not coincide with what you see on TV. Things like on TV they get DNA back immediately, we don’t get it back immediately.  Even if it’s a homicide, it’s months,” Connally said. “It’s a great opportunity to interact, it’s two-way communication.”

The academy starts April 11 and runs through May 30.  Classes meet on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Anyone wanting to sign-up should contact Sgt. Roy Hoskins at (816) 236-1473 or Evidence Specialist Valerie Pasley at (816) 236-8894.