The Atlanta Police Department (APD) will launch its first-ever LGBT Citizens Police Academy next week in an effort to extend outreach to the LGBT community.

Facilitated by APD’s LGBT Liaison Unit officers, Senior Police Officer Eric King and Officer Courtney Mack, the specialized two-day program will take place April 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

According to an APD press release, APD began this program out of a need for “stronger understanding and trust with all the communities we serve.”

“I commend the Atlanta Police Department for prioritizing a culture of respect with Atlanta’s LGBTQ community,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said. “Atlanta must remain a community where all people live their lives openly, feel safe, and be free of discrimination. The city needs LGBTQ voices in order to understand and address the challenges they face, while helping law enforcement make Atlanta one of the safest large cities in the nation.”

The program will cover core Citizens Police Academy topics including homicide, human trafficking, use of force and more. Additionally, all of the topics will be accompanied by conversations on the challenges faced by the LGBT community and how to better partner with police, the release said.

“Atlanta has a rich and diverse LGBT community and we want members of that community to feel comfortable when communicating with police,” King said.

Applicants to the LGBT Citizens Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age, reside in the metropolitan Atlanta area, never had any felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within the past year. A standard background check is required upon submitting the application.

To apply, email Atlanta Police Community Engagement Director Elizabeth Espy at enespy@atlantaga.gov or call 404.546.2541. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2018. The program will be held at the Atlanta Police Training Academy at 180 Southside Industrial Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354.