AUBURN — Local police are offering members of the community a behind-the-scenes peek at the daily operations at the department.

Starting April 15, the spring session of the Citizens Police Academy, or CPA, will feature 10 weeks of classes aimed at exploring the structure and activities of the local police department, according to department spokeswoman Liz Allen.

“We all benefit from enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of the police department, police Chief Phil Crowell said in a news statement Monday.

Participants will meet Mondays from 6-8:30 p.m. for classes, including:

* Basic patrol functions;

* Use of lethal and non-lethal force;

* Operating under the influence detection and enforcement;

* Drug enforcement;

* Domestic violence; and

* Crime scene investigation.

Class size is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Local residents will be given preference, Allen said in the statement.

All applicants will be subject to criminal background checks; applicants with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds won’t be accepted, she said.

Anyone interested in applying for the Citizens Police Academy should stop by the Auburn Police Department at 60 Court St. (Auburn City Hall) or visit www.auburnpd.com to download the application. Interested applicants may also contact Liz Allen at 333-6650, ext. 2070 or email [email protected]. Deadlines for applications is April 10.

“The program operates on the premise that informed and educated citizens will be more supportive of police officers and will be more productive within their own neighborhood and community,” Allen said.

Graduates of the academy “quite often” go on to become department volunteers, Allen said.