Law enforcement officials in Saline County are giving citizens another look behind the badge coming up in February. The Advanced Citizen’s Academy will take participants to the next level in understanding what it takes to serve and protect the community.

Applications are available between now and January 18 from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, the Salina Police Department or online.

Graduation from a previous Citizen’s Academy is required to participate in the advance class.

Lt. Sean Kochanowski with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office says participants will share a ride with a patrol officer, learn more about sobriety testing, focus on use of force issues and weapons training. “It will give them a better understanding of how officers make decisions in shoot – don’t shoot situations,” he said.

Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol will also lend their expertise during some of the sessions.

The advance course meets on Wednesday evenings and runs from February 6 to March 27 and is open for about 20 applicants.

Those interested can apply online at http://www.salinesheriff.org or in person at the Saline County Sheriff’s Office located at 251 North 10th Street, or contact Sgt Brent Rupert at the Salina Police Department at 785-826-7210.