Sheriff sets Citizens Academy classes

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the spring session of the Citizens Academy.

The 10-week class runs every Wednesday at 6 p.m. starting Feb. 25 and running through April 29.

The Citizen’s Academy provides citizens with an inside look at local law enforcement and is designed to give citizens an overview of the Sheriff’s Office office, policies and procedures.

During the sessions, students will learn about law enforcement ethics, communications, crime prevention, criminal law, the correctional system, all of the office’s investigation units including: CSI, Coroner, Violent Crimes, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Narcotics, Intelligence Unit and much more. Also included are walking tours of the Main Adult Detention Facility, the main administration building, and the Coroner’s Office.

Academy classes are taught by Sheriff’s Office executives and veteran personnel.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to a traditional police academy, but the weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a deputy sheriff.

The three-hour classes meet at the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Main Building, 2796 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa.?

Applications must be received by Friday, Feb. 6.

Potential Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum age of 18 years;

• Must live or work in Sonoma County;

• Pass a basic background check ;

• No prior felony convictions ;

• No misdemeanor arrests within the last twelve months.

Applicants will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and placed on a waiting list once the class becomes full. Enrollment is limited to approximately 25 students per academy. Applications are available on the sheriff’s website, sonomssheriff.org or by coming in to the office.

Completed applications can be turned into the Sheriff’s Office Main Building front desk or mailed 2796 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Attn: Citizens Academy.

For details, contact CSO Jennifer Abrao at 565-7398.