HIGH POINT – The public soon will have a chance to get an inside look at the work of law enforcement from A to Z, thanks to the High Point Police Department.

The department’s fall Citizen’s Academy is slated to begin later this month. The academy is a 13-class program that meets weekly at police headquarters.

There are no charges or costs for the program, which is open to the public, although preference is given to those who work or live in the High Point area, according to police.

The program typically draws a wide cross-section of people, from college students to retirees.

No tests or coursework are required of participants. The classes involve a mixture of classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. The first few sessions lay out topics such as the requirements of a police officer’s job, as well as the legal and constitutional guidelines officers must follow in the performance of their duties.

Other sessions deal with specific topics, such as use-of-force principles, criminal investigations, K-9 training and hostage negotiations.

The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 8. Police said a brief background check will be conducted on all applicants prior to acceptance.