NASHUA — Anyone interested in how the city’s Police Department operates is invited to participate in its annual Citizen Police Academy kicking off next month.

Registrations are now being accepted from residents seeking to enroll in the 24th academy, an eight-week course designed to acquaint the community with how the department functions.

“Last year we had 38 graduates,” said Ed Lecius, community policing coordinator. “We can hold up to 44 participants, and we will max it out if we can.”

On average, there are between 26 and 40 participants each year, with more than 900 residents graduating from the academy since its inception more than two decades ago, according to Lecius.

Classes are weekly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 18 to Nov. 13.

Each week, a different bureau commander will be featured, outlining daily duties and responsibilities within various sections of the force. Chief John Seusing and the deputies will be on hand for the first night of class, giving tours of the station and a brief introduction.

“We like to show the residents where their tax dollars are going. This program features all of the equipment being used and the training that takes place at the department,” said Lecius. “It focuses on what we do and how we do it.”

Often, citizens compare the city’s police investigations with crime cases they witness on television, which isn’t always applicable, according to Lecius. The academy helps clarify facts, reminding residents that DNA results are not always immediately available, and that cases are not often solved in one or two hours as seen on television, he said.

Academy participants will see demonstrations from the special reaction team, hazardous device unit, dive team, K-9 and crime scene unit. A bomb demonstration also will be offered, along with several PowerPoint presentations and a mock trial, Lecius said.

“Participants will have the opportunity to talk to the chief and learn about the history of the police commission,” he said, adding everyone will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the course.

Some graduates later volunteer at the station with the retired senior volunteer program, according to Lecius, saying they help with copying and filing necessary paperwork.

Residents outside Nashua will be accepted once slots are filled by city residents. Participants must be 18 or older. Space is limited, and the deadline for reservations is Sept. 6.

For more information, or to register, call Lecius at 594-3544.

khoughton@newstote.com