YORK COUNTY — The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office will begin its “Sheriff’s Citizen Academy” starting Sept. 16.
The Sheriff’s Office describes the academy as a 43-hour block of instruction “designed to empower the citizens of York County and the City of Poquoson with a comprehensive understanding of the Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system.”
The academy is comprised of twelve comprehensive three-hour classes, led by certified law enforcement instructors, supervisors, personnel, and guest speakers, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The curriculum covers topics such as 911 communications, hiring, training, policies and procedures, criminal investigations, criminal law, DUI investigations, family violence, narcotics enforcement, tactical operations, hostage negotiations, jail operations, and firearms/weapons use.
The “Sheriff’s Citizen Academy” is a platform for the community’s voice to be heard, the Sheriff’s Office said, adding that interaction and input will play “a significant role in increasing law enforcement awareness and strengthening community rapport.”
Weekly academy sessions will meet mainly on Monday evenings from 7-10 p.m. While there is no charge for the academy, the Sheriff’s Office requires participants to attend ten of the twelve scheduled sessions to successfully complete and receive a certificate of graduation. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and each student must ride with a deputy for at least four hours.
The academy is open to all citizens who reside or work in York County or the City of Poquoson. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and successfully pass a background investigation, Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Citizen Academy starts on Sept. 16 and finishes on Dec. 2.
The Crime Prevention Unit can be reached at 757-890-3639 to answer questions concerning the academy. Applications can be downloaded at yorkcounty.gov/
