Due to unexpected reductions in the operating budget, the 2013 Citizens' Academy, scheduled to be held in the spring, has unfortunately been cancelled. The possibility of accommodating the Academy in the fall of 2013 will be evaluated later in the year. Please check this site for any future updates.
The Citizens' Academy is a program designed to provide Jefferson County residents and merchants with firsthand information about how the Sheriff's Office functions. The academy prides itself on being a fun-filled way to gain a better understanding of law enforcement.
In a classroom setting, often enhanced with field trips and tours, citizens explore various aspects of law enforcement, including criminal investigations, arrest control, detention operations and general patrol. K-9, and Bomb Squad duties are just some of the "field trip" topics to be covered, along with hands-on "shooting" at the indoor laser firing range. Each class provides insight into the challenging tasks deputy sheriffs and investigators must face daily. Instructors are veteran officers who teach in their own areas of expertise.
Participation in the academy requires a commitment of one night a week, 6 to 9:30 p.m., for the 12-week period. Classes are held Wednesdays, and one Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. There is no fee for the academy, but space is limited and participants must be 18 or older.
Once an academy is full, applicants will be placed on an eligibility list for the next academy. Citizens' Academies are held annually in the spring.
Participation does require some physical activity, including walking up and down stairs and to and from various rooms in our building. More strenuous activities and training simulations are optional.
For further information or an application, contact Public Information at 303-271-5602.
Alternatively, you can download the Citizens' Academy application.
Typical Class Topics Officer Survival Dispatch Major Crimes' Investigation Victim Services Community Relations Intelligence Ethics Detention Operations/Jail Tour Arrest Control/Use of Force Firearms Training System Patrol Operations/Traffic Stops/DUI’s Animal Control K-9/Bomb Squad Cold Case Investigations Criminalistics/Forensics Citizens' Academy Alumni Association Graduates of the Citizens' Academy are invited to join the Citizens' Academy Alumni Association. This group, dubbed Jeffco CA3, was formed to help graduates stay involved in Sheriff's Office and community activities.
