Residents who want to learn about forensics and ride along with a patrol deputy are invited to participate in the 12-week Sheriff's Citizens Academy at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office.

Citizens learn about the inner workings of the Sheriff's Office.

The free classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 6-9 p.m. and run through Nov. 12.

Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh invited citizens to attend.

"Citizens can hear interesting presentations about investigations, patrol, detention center, K9s, Mounted Patrol, School Resource Officers and narcotics," Fitzhugh said. "This class gives citizens a chance to interact with our employees and answer their questions."

The course is open to adults who live or work in Rutherford County.

The application is available from:

· The Sheriff's Office's Web page under Community Service's Sheriff's Citizen Academy.
· The Sheriff's Office Information Center at 940 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro.
· Public Information Officer Lisa Marchesoni at lmarchesoni@rcsotn.org or by calling 615-904-3089.
· Community Service Unit Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy at jcassidy@rcsotn.org or by calling 615-904-3019.