Palm Beach County residents have an opportunity to learn about the local criminal justice system through the 49th Citizen's Criminal Justice Academy (CCJA), hosted by the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC). The eight-week program will run from March 26 to May 14, at the West Palm Beach Police Department, with weekly sessions every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m, according to the Palm Beach County website.
The program will feature lectures and live demonstrations from law enforcement professionals, providing insights into areas such as cybercrime, homelessness support, and juvenile justice. Dinner will be provided, and there is no cost to attend.
The CJC aims to provide relevant information to the public in a relaxed and accessible environment, emphasizing one-on-one interactions to help citizens become well-informed members of the community. Topics covered will include targeted violence and the use of police body-worn cameras.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour specialized criminal justice facilities and see high-tech equipment in use. The program will feature lively discussions and Q&A sessions.
The academy is open to all Palm Beach County residents, and community service hours are available for participants. Students over the age of 14 are encouraged to attend. Registration closes on March 24, and space is limited to the first 50 applicants. Those interested can sign up on the Palm Beach County government website or call (561) 355-2332 for more information.
