Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Invites Community to Citizens Academy

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Columbus county Sheriff’s Office Invites Citizens to Exclusive Academy

By Archyde Staff

August 20, 2024

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is offering a unique opportunity for community members to explore its operations.
(columbus County Sheriff’s Office)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. – The columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is opening its doors to the community with its upcoming Citizen Academy programme. This initiative provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will engage in in-depth sessions. These sessions are led by experienced deputies, investigators, detention staff, and members of specialized units.It’s a chance to learn directly from those on the front lines.

The program features interactive presentations and facility tours. Hands-on learning activities are also a key component. Sessions are scheduled every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m.

To be eligible, applicants must be at least 21 years old. A thorough background check is also a requirement for all prospective participants.

The 10-week Citizen Academy commences on September 16. The enrollment period concludes on August 29.

Interested individuals can apply by visiting this link. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with your local law enforcement.

Understanding the CCSO Citizen Academy

The Citizen Academy is designed to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Columbus County. By offering direct insight into law enforcement practices, the program aims to build trust and enhance community relations.

Attendees will gain a complete viewpoint on various aspects of policing, from investigations and court proceedings to detention services and community outreach efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CCSO Citizen academy

What is the purpose of the Columbus county Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy?

The academy offers participants an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the Sheriff’s Office operations and functions.

Who leads the sessions at the Citizen Academy?

Sessions are led

What specific background checks are conducted for Citizens Academy applicants?

what is the Citizens Academy?

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce its upcoming Citizens Academy, a fantastic opportunity for residents to gain an inside look at the operations of local law enforcement. This free program is designed to foster stronger relationships between the Sheriff’s office and the community it serves. The academy isn’t about training citizens to become deputies; it’s about educating them on how the Sheriff’s Office functions and building mutual understanding. Think of it as a comprehensive course in Columbus County law enforcement.

Academy Curriculum: A Week-by-Week Breakdown

The Citizens Academy is typically a multi-week program, offering a diverse range of topics. While specific schedules may vary, here’s a general overview of what participants can expect:

Week 1: Introduction to Law Enforcement & Sheriff’s Office Overview: History of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, roles and responsibilities of deputies, legal aspects of policing.

Week 2: Criminal Investigations: Crime scene investigation techniques, evidence collection, interview and interrogation methods, forensic science applications.

Week 3: Patrol Procedures & Traffic Enforcement: Ride-alongs with deputies (subject to availability and background checks), traffic stop simulations, understanding North Carolina traffic laws.

Week 4: Use of force & Defensive Tactics: Overview of use of force policies,de-escalation techniques,demonstrations of defensive tactics (participants do not participate physically).

Week 5: Communications & dispatch: Tour of the 911 Communications Center, learning about emergency dispatch procedures, understanding radio communications.

Week 6: Specialized Units: Presentations from specialized units within the Sheriff’s Office,such as the SWAT team,K-9 unit,and narcotics division.

Week 7: Court Procedures & Legal System: Understanding the judicial process,courtroom observation (when possible),the role of the District Attorney’s office.

Who Should Apply?

The Citizens Academy is open to adult residents of Columbus County who meet the following criteria:

Must be 21 years of age or older.

Must be a resident of Columbus County.

Must have a valid driver’s license or state-issued identification.

Must not have any outstanding warrants or pending criminal charges.

Applicants will undergo a background check.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages applications from a diverse range of community members, including business owners, educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in learning more about local policing.

Benefits of Participating in the Citizens Academy

Beyond gaining knowledge, the Citizens Academy offers several valuable benefits:

increased Understanding: Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement officers.

Improved Communication: Enhance communication and collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.

Community Empowerment: Become a more informed and engaged citizen,capable of contributing to public safety initiatives.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with deputies, fellow citizens, and community leaders.

Personal Growth: Gain valuable insights into the criminal justice system and develop a greater recognition for the work of law enforcement.

Application Process & Important Dates

Interested individuals can find the application form on the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office website (https://www.columbussheriffnc.com/ – Please verify this link is current).

Key Dates (2025):

Application period: august 15th – September 15th, 2025

Academy Start Date: October 7th, 2025

Academy Graduation: November 18th, 2025

Class Size: Limited to 25 participants.

Ride-Along Opportunities & Safety Considerations

A highlight for many participants is the opportunity to participate in a ride-along with a deputy. These ride-alongs provide a firsthand experience of patrol duties and the realities of police work. However, ride-alongs are contingent upon deputy availability, successful completion of a background check, and adherence to strict safety guidelines. Participants will be briefed on safety protocols before the ride-along and are expected to follow all instructions from the deputy.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Programs

The Citizens Academy is just one example of the Columbus county Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to community outreach. Other programs include:

Neighborhood Watch: Encouraging residents to work together to prevent crime in their neighborhoods.

School Resource Officers: Providing a safe and secure learning environment for students.

community Policing Initiatives: Proactive efforts to build relationships and address community concerns.

Safety Presentations: Offering educational presentations on topics such as home security, personal safety, and drug awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a cost to attend the Citizens academy? No, the academy is free of charge.

* Will I be required to perform physical tasks? No, the academy is primarily educational.Defensive tactics demonstrations will be observed, but participants will not be required to participate physically.