It’s not an episode of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ or the TV show ‘Cops’, but the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy is a behind-the-scenes law enforcement experience for everyday citizens.

The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications now for the Citizens Police Academy that begins Sept. 7. It’s a free, eight week program for an inside look at operations at the sheriff’s office.

If you’re selected for the Citizens Police Academy, you will see it all. It is almost like a backstage pass to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.

"In here we take all the emergency calls for the entire county," said David Cirencione, Ontario County sheriff.  "Last year our center took over 181,000 calls here for fire, police and EMS service within the county."

Sheriff Cirencione has had the top job since January. He has 20 years with the sheriff’s office and he’s proud of his team. At the Citizens Police Academy, now in its 13th year, participants will see everything from the DAs office to the firing range to the criminal investigation division.

"It’s positive engagement with the community. We enjoy sharing what we do with our residents and the people we serve and protect. But, it’s also very eye-opening for them to get the other side of what what it is like for us and what we have to do and the hoops that we sometimes have to jump through before we can make an arrest on a case," said Cirencione.

Citizens Police Academy participants can even hit the road on patrol for a ride-along and go the firing range. There is also a tour of the jail.

"It’s very impactful to have a parent or student themselves see this and convey why we need to know about and make good choices," said Mike Rago, Ontario County undersheriff.

The Citizens Police Academy is three hours every Thursday evening for eight weeks. Class size is limited. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1.