You can join Sheriff’s Citizens Academy

Over 200 students have graduated from the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy. (Photo provided)

Applications are being accepted for the spring session of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy. The 12-week course is held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with classes running from March 8 through May 24. There is no charge for participants to attend the academy, which is open to area residents 18 years of age and older.

The Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for interested citizens to learn more about the varied roles and functions of the Sheriff’s Office. These tasks include many usual law enforcement responsibilities but also go beyond the scope of a local police department. Class sessions include Criminal and Constitutional Law, Traffic Stops, Crash and Criminal Investigations, Firearms, Drug and Alcohol Enforcement, Emergency Driving, Use of Force and many others. Participants also have the option to ride with a Patrol Division deputy, sit with a dispatcher and shadow a jail officer as part of the course.

Class participants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the academy providing the Sheriff’s Office staff the opportunity to learn and better serve the community. The Citizens Academy promotes greater understanding and transparency for all involved. More than 200 students have graduated from the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, providing growth and learning for both area residents and employees of the Sheriff’s Office.

More information and applications are available at hamiltoncounty.in.gov/546/Citizens-Academy. Class sizes are limited so early applications are encouraged.