An upcoming free series of classes will give regular citizens a behind-the-scenes look at the Waynesville Police Department and a chance to volunteer within the department.

The eight-week long civilian police academy will cover every topic including record keeping, canine patrol, search and seizure laws, juvenile and domestic laws, traffic stop procedures, the process of taking evidence and even how to shoot a gun.

During last Spring’s session, participants learned how to dust for fingerprints and got an up-close look at how drug dogs are used within the department.

The class began in the late 90s under Police Chief Frank Ross in an effort to educate the public about the goings-on in the police department.

When Jim and Mary Ford moved to Waynesville four years ago, they knew they wanted to ...