For Hendricks County residents interested in getting a closer look at law enforcement operations, the time to apply for the Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy is now. According to a social media post from the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, applications for the second annual academy are still being accepted until June 30. Classes are slated to begin on August 7, and they will run every Thursday from 6:00pm to 9:30pm over the course of 10 weeks.
The program aims to promote positive community relations by allowing civilians to experience a fraction of the training deputies undergo. It's designed to serve as a two-way street of communications, fostering trust between the Hendricks County Sheriff's Office and the community it serves. The academy does not, however, "in any way, bestow law enforcement authority to any participant," as clear from the post by the Sheriff's Office.
Participants of the Citizens Academy will be exposed to a variety of topics, including administrative functions, enforcement, investigations, support services, corrections, and even hands-on demonstrations like CSI, narcotics, and evidence handling. They will also get to experience realistic emergency situations involving E.R.T., firearms, K-9 units, drones, various defensive tactics, and more.
Sessions will consist of both classroom discussions and demonstrations, providing attendees with a comprehensive view of the responsibilities within a Sheriff's Office. Upon successful completion, graduates will get the chance to ride along with deputies and to truly understand the inner workings of local law enforcement. Colonel Scott Larsen can be contacted for applications, which must be dropped off in person at the specified Sheriff's Office address.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be at least 18, live or work in Hendricks County, undergo a background check with no felony convictions, and commit to attending each session in full. Class size is limited to just 20 participants, and those interested should act quickly to secure their spot in this unique educational opportunity.
