LEWISTON — Applications are open for Lewiston Police Department’s fall Lewiston Citizens Police Academy.

This free 10-week program meets at the Police Department or Central Maine Community College from 6 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday from Sept. 6 to Nov. 15.

This is an opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with their police department and gain perspective about law enforcement.

Participants will tour the Police Department, explore the vehicles and learn the history of policing in Lewiston, including covert drug investigations, criminal investigations, evidence collection, case preparation, recruitment and community outreach.

Attendees will participate in ride-alongs and learn about the use of deadly and non-deadly force at Central Maine Community College’s criminal justice lab.

In the lab, participants will utilize some of the newest technologies used to train police officers, including Fast Action Training simulators and stress vests.

The class will meet with representatives from the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office to discuss the judicial system and Lewiston Interim Police Chief Brian O’Malley for a question-and-answer session.

Class size is limited to 22 students. Lewiston residents will receive priority. Background checks will be conducted on all applicants.

FMI, application: [email protected], www.lewistonmaine.gov/academy16.