Citizens Sheriff’s Academy applications

Sheriff Gary Cutler and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2021 class. The course will tentatively start on April 8, 2021.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 45 hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system. This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the new Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos, directly behind the Government Center.

The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. The academy will help increase public awareness and increase Sheriff’s Office and community relations and rapport. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction.

The instructors of this academy are supervisors, deputies, correction officers, and guest speakers who work in the areas being taught, and their training will give participants insight into the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. In return, class instructors receive direct feedback from the class participants on the effects the Sheriff’s Office has on their lives.

Class size is limited to 20 people per class. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either reside, or work, in Hays County. Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building, by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@ co.hays.tx.us, or by downloading the application at www.co.hays.tx.us/sheriff. aspx. Applications must be received on or before March 15, 2021.