Full Notification

February 25th – April 29th, 2015
Every Wednesday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM

The Citizen’s Academy provides citizens with an inside look at local law enforcement. The ten week academy is designed to give citizens an overview of our office, policies and procedures.

During the Academy, students will learn about law enforcement ethics, communications, crime prevention, criminal law, the correctional system, all of our investigation units including: CSI, Coroner, Violent Crimes, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Narcotics, Intelligence Unit and much more. Also included are walking tours of the Main Adult Detention Facility, our main administration building, and the Coroner’s Office. Academy classes are taught by Sheriff's Office executives and veteran personnel. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and to express their concerns.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office hopes there will be a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement's role in the community through the education provided by the Citizen's Academy. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to a traditional police academy, but the weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a deputy sheriff.

We offer a Spring session each year. The length of each Academy is ten weeks. Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Main Building, 2796 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa.

We are currently taking applications for the Spring Academy. Applications must be received by Friday, February 6th.

Participant Requirements
Potential Candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Community members must live or work in Sonoma County
• Pass a basic background check
• No prior felony convictions
• No misdemeanor arrests within the last twelve months

Members of civic groups or community organizations are highly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and placed on a waiting list once the class becomes full. Enrollment is limited to approximately 25 students per academy.

You can find an application by visiting our website www.sonomasheriff.org or by coming in to our office. Completed applications can be turned into the Sheriff’s Office Main Building front desk or mailed to our office at 2796 Ventura Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Attn: Citizens Academy.

If you have questions about the Academy, please contact CSO Jennifer Abrao with the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at 565-7398.