DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is making a big announcement.

The Sheriff’s Office will be holding their first Community Police Academy in October. Since it’s their inaugural event spots are limited to 10 participants.

The course is free and will cover various areas of law enforcement like 911 operations, traffic and criminal law, use of force, evidence, investigations and others.

Class meets in the evenings once a week. The Sheriff’s Office said the goal of the program is teaching people more about how policing works in their community and improve the relationships between police and the public.

Douglas County residents who are 18-years-old and older that are interested in signing up can send an email to sheriff@douglascountyil.gov with the subject line CPA with their contact information.