The Adams County Sheriff’s Office normally looks for criminals, cheats and ne’er-do-wells.

That’s just a day at the office for the men and women who protect and serve county residents.

But now those same public servants are on the lookout for something different. They are looking for the good, the curious and the law-abiding among us.

The sheriff’s office has plans for a citizens’ police academy. The Natchez Police Department for years held the same time of grouping.

The point is simple — education.

A well-informed, educated populace helps law enforcement do its job better.

Plans for the academy include giving a first-hand overview of the sheriff’s office operations along with some good information that can help citizens protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

Participants will receive lessons in self-defense, firearms handling and can ride along with deputies on patrol.

The sign-up deadline for the first class is Friday, and the classes are expected to begin March 15 and run weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through May 19.

We encourage residents with interest to sign up for the program. We hope other area government entities will consider similar classes to help inform and educate citizens on how their government works and how residents can help government work more efficiently for its owners — the citizens who provide funding.