-
Citizens Law Enforcement Academy begins Thursday, Sept. 28.
Sheriff Randy Shirley and the Stephens County Sheriff's Office will hold the first ever Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) for Stephens County residents.
Over the course of five weeks, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the various operations of the Sheriff's Office and Judicial System through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
Topics will include an introduction to the criminal justice system, use of force, criminal investigations, search and seizure, narcotics investigations, jail operations, and much more!
CLEA participants will also meet many of the men and women who risk their lives daily, gain a better understanding of their roles, and learn how citizens can work with law enforcement to better protect themselves and their community against crime.
This program is a way for community members to become better informed about crime and public safety while developing working relationships with members of the Sheriff's Office.
Upon completion of this program, participants will attend an informal graduation ceremony, where they will receive a certificate of completion and a challenge coin exclusively for graduates of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Law Enforcement Academy.
Classes will begin Thursday, Sept. 28, and will conclude Thursday, Oct. 26.
Sessions will be held at the Sheriff's Office Training Center on Thursday evenings from 6:15-8:15 p.m.
Interested applicants must submit to a limited background investigation by the Stephens County Sheriff's Office that will include a criminal history and driving record check.
Acceptance into the program will be on an individual basis.
Participants must be residents of Stephens County and a minimum of 18 years of age by the first day of class. Any participants under the age of 18 must be a current high school student and provide necessary parental waivers.
Space is limited, so register now.
Applications and background check forms are available at the Sheriff's Office located within the Stephens County Government Building or the front desk of the Stephens County Jail.
Completed applications must be received by the Sheriff's Office no later than Friday, Sept. 22.
For more information, please contact Capt. Stephen Stewart at (706) 491-0763.