LAKEPORT, Calif. – The fall session of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Citizens’ Academy is scheduled to commence on Sept. 7 held in Lakeport.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A 15th session with a graduation ceremony will conclude the academy on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011.

Since the academy’s inception in January of 1998, more than 300 members of the community have successfully completed the program, according to the sheriff's office.

The academy has proved to be a highly successful way of educating county residents about sheriff’s office operations, as well as the issues relating to law enforcement and the judicial system in general.

In 2002, the program received the “Stars of Lake County” award for best idea of the year in Lake County.

While the program is primarily intended for members of the community simply seeking to become more informed on law enforcement issues, those contemplating a career in law enforcement also are welcome to apply, the agency said.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to that of a basic law enforcement academy. However, the overall focus of the program is to provide a better understanding of the policies and procedures of the Department, as well as the approach taken to provide law enforcement services to Lake County communities.

Subject matters for the academy include: the history of the office of the sheriff; the selection and training process for new employees; central dispatch operations; the role and responsibilities of the uniformed deputy; major crimes investigations; jail operations; firearms and the use of deadly force; marine patrol services; narcotics investigations; the civil process; the Office of Emergency Services; coroner’s investigations; press relations; tactical (SWAT/SERT) operations; search and rescue operations; K-9 enforcement; internal affairs investigations; marijuana investigations; the sheriff’s

chaplain program; the judicial process in the courtroom; and the budget process.

The program consists of 14, three-hour classes offering classroom and “hands-on” instruction by deputy sheriffs, custody staff, supervisors, civilian employees and command staff whose assignments are specific to their respective subject of training.

There is no cost to those attending the academy. However, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Resident or employment in Lake County;

• At least 18 years of age;

• No felony convictions;

• No misdemeanor convictions within three years;

• Able to attend all 14 sessions.

Anyone interested in becoming a more informed member of the community is encouraged to participate in this worthwhile program.

Those wishing to enroll can do so at the Sheriff’s Main Office, located at 1220 Martin St. in Lakeport.

For more information, please contact the academy director, Sgt. Brian Kenner, at 707-262-4200.

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