The Austin Police Department is offering a citizen academy next month to educate the public on area police work and to build closer ties with the community.

The academy, which will host about 12 to 16 residents, is the first in about 18 years, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger. As such, officers want to reach out to as many people as possible, and police are already reaching out to area organizations for potential academy participants.

To apply, residents must be at least 21 years old, with no criminal convictions over the past five years, and live in or own a business in Austin, among other criteria.

The academy will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6,13, and 20.

Residents can apply for the academy at the Mower County Law Enforcement Center at Main Street and Second Avenue Northeast.