Local residents will have a prime opportunity to learn about the internal workings of the 9-1-1 emergency dispatch center when the next 9-1-1 Citizens Academy is held on March 28.

The academy will educate citizens about the role 9-1-1 Communications Specialists play in the public safety system and prepare them should they ever need to dial 9-1-1.

The all day informative class includes everything from the History of 9-1-1 to how citizens can help 9-1-1 help them.  A tour of the KCSO 9-1-1 Center is included, and optional “plug-in” time will be offered to academy attendees on follow-up dates for those interested.

The academy is open to anyone at least 18 years old with no felony convictions.  Applicants must live or work in King County.

Applications to attend are now being accepted. Space is limited and completed applications should be turned in by March 20.

Applications are available on the King County Sheriff’s Office website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/Enforcement/911Center/2012CitzensAcademy.aspx. To request the applications by phone, call 206-205-6625, or send an email request to: KCSO911.FB@kingcounty.gov