The Shelby County community came together as 27 residents completed an educational program aimed at enhancing understanding and building connections between citizens and law enforcement. The Spring 2025 Citizens' Academy, initiated by Sheriff Floyd Bonner, concluded with a graduation ceremony last Thursday at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, according to a social media post from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
The program lasted six weeks, with sessions held twice a week. Participants attended lectures, engaged in discussions, and visited various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. The curriculum covered topics such as patrol, support services, the jail, and training. Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. congratulated the graduates, including Patrice Benson, Emma Bougard, and others.
The Sheriff's Office initiative is aimed at educating the community and fostering trust. The Citizens' Academy provides participants with a behind-the-scenes view of law enforcement operations, allowing insight into the daily work of police officers and promoting dialogue. The list of participants, as shared by the Sheriff’s Office, includes a diverse group of Shelby County residents seeking to learn more about law enforcement practices.
With the Spring 2025 session concluding, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office is planning the next Citizens' Academy for the fall of 2025. The program has seen strong community engagement, and recent graduates have gained firsthand experience. The Sheriff's Office intends to continue offering these academies as a way to improve community-police relations.
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