Curious about how the criminal justice system works? The Collin County Criminal District Attorney's office offers residents a close-up view of the process in its Citizen Prosecutor Academy.

This free, 12-week course begins Sept. 13, and concludes with a graduation ceremony for participants on Dec. 6.

Collaborating with an extensive network of public servants and agencies on a daily basis, the DA's office is at the forefront of protecting the community by putting away the bad guys and holding criminals accountable. Hear from prosecutors, detectives, judges and law enforcement officials as they explain how a case develops, from arrest to trial, and subsequent appeal.

Classes for this popular program will meet Thursday evenings at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, 2100 Bloomdale Rd., in McKinney, from 6-8:30 p.m.

The deadline to apply is Sept.7, and participants must be at least 18 years old.

To learn more and apply, visit www.collincountyda.com. For questions, please contact Kim Alvarado at 972-548-4768 or DA-CPA@collincountytx.gov.​