LAKE COUNTY -- The 16th session of the Lake County Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy is scheduled to commence on March 15 at the Lake County Superior Court, Department 4, 7000 South Center Drive, in Clearlake.

 

Since the academy’s inception in January of 1998, over 300 members of the community have successfully completed the program.

 

The Citizens’ Academy has proved to be a highly successful endeavor to educate residents of Lake County on the operations of the Sheriff’s Department, as well as the issues relating to law enforcement and the judicial system in general.

The academy has brought the communities of Lake County closer to their Sheriff’s Department with each graduating class and 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 better informed on law enforcement issues, those contemplating a career in law enforcement are also welcome to apply.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those 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 matter for the academy includes: 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) operations; search and rescue operations; K-9 enforcement; welfare fraud investigations; marijuana investigations; the sheriff’s chaplain program; the judicial process in the courtroom; Probation; Parole; 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.

 

Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.

The 15th session of the academy will conclude with graduation ceremonies held on Thursday, June 21.

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 fourteen classes

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., Lakeport.

For further information, please contact the academy director, Lt. Patrick McMahon, at 262-4200.