REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE BALDWIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CITIZENS ACADEMY!
2024 CLASS DATES: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22
GRADUATION: 10/29
We recognize that most of what people know about law enforcement is learned from television shows that are produced in a manner to highlight the most outrageous portions of the occupation for profit. Even the “real” investigative shows provide a very narrow look into what law enforcement officers do daily. Despite the multitude of television shows and the constant glare from the media, the real world of law enforcement remains a mystery. Most people never have contact with a deputy and those that do, only interact with us for minutes. We have seen in other areas where this can put law enforcement at a tremendous disadvantage because human nature is to fear and mistrust what we do not understand.
The goal of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy is increasing transparency. We will do that by opening our doors to those who want to participate in the citizens academy. The meetings and presentations planned will increase communication with the public, remove any boundaries, and build on the strong relationship we have with our community.
We want our community to have accurate knowledge about the BCSO and share in the pride we have in our agency and the people we employ. We hope to share insight and build strong relationships through this intimate, interactive and educational Citizens Academy.
This is an opportunity for citizens to learn about their Sheriff’s Office and have questions answered. The weekly, Tuesday evening classes will be instructed by subject matter experts drawn from all levels of our agency. Students will meet the Sheriff, members of the Command Staff, patrol deputies, investigators, dispatchers, and other staff. Students are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues. The academy will allow personal experience with Patrol, the Crime Scene Unit, Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit, Property Crimes/Fraud, Training Unit, Computer Crimes, K-9 Unit, Dispatch, SWAT, Narcotics investigations and more. The six-week academy will end with a formal graduation. Questions are encouraged in this exciting and interactive environment.
SIX WEEK ACADEMY | TUESDAY EVENINGS | 6-8:30PM | LOCATION VARIES
The program is free and class size is limited.
Applicants who meet the requirements for participation will be admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Present a valid Alabama driver’s license
- Be willing to undergo a background check
- Must reside in Baldwin County, AL
Participants are allowed to miss one scheduled class day.
Additional absences may result in dismissal from the program and/or no certificate of completion
Please note: THERE ARE 6 FULL WEEKS OF PROGRAMMING WITH GRADUATION TO FOLLOW
Participants may schedule a ride-along with patrol and/or Dispatch for a Day experience during the academy, up to 90 days after graduation.
Registrations are limited to the first 25 applicants that confirm their ability to attend. If you are accepted, we will also send a U.S. Mail letter inviting you to the class. The letter will contain further instructions and information.