Want a better understanding of how law enforcement works in Loudoun?

Register now for a spot in the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office biannual citizen police academy.

This free course meets one evening a week at the LCSO administrative building in Leesburg for 11 weeks, and each two-hour class highlights a different branch of the sheriff’s department.

Toward the end of the course, students take a firearms training session at a Chantilly firearms range and can sign up for a ride-along with a sheriff’s deputy.

“I found the class on gang awareness to be the most interesting,” said Ron Crouse of Ashburn, who used to be a paramedic in Maryland and now works in IT for Fairfax County Public Schools.

Crouse said a general curiosity about LCSO and how it operates prompted him to enroll in the course last spring.

In the past, this informational course has filled up in just one day, but LCSO administrator, Bonnie Burke said spots are still available. To sign up, call Burke or Ginger Wines at 703-777-0407.