Applications for Citizens Sheriff’s Academy now open
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023B basic class. The course is tentatively scheduled to start on Sept. 7.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 36hour 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 to 9 p.m. at the 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, as well as community relations and rapport with the Sheriff’s Office. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction. Topics presented during the Citizens Academy include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations and more. Students can connect with instructors and staff, share their experiences, and both law enforcement officers and students gain a better understanding of the needs, wants and realities of the criminal justice system and the communities served.
Students may have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center and the Public Safety Building — including a state-of-the-art communications center. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift.
The class size is limited to 20 people per class, so it is important to get applications in early. Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark. [email protected]. They can also be downloaded online at co.hays. tx.us/sheriff.aspx. Applications must be received on or before Sept. 1 A background check will be done and those persons with felony convictions, who are currently on parole or probation, or anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude, are not eligible to attend. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in Hays County.
For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit or Deputy Andrews at (512) 393-7373 or via email at mark. andrews@co. hays, tx.us.