Sandalwood

Citizen's Academy

Citizen's Academy

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy is a thirteen week course that is designed to help the citizen's of the community better understand what Police Officers and Corrections Officers encounter while on duty. Participating in the Academy requires a commitment of one night per week for the thirteen-week period. The duration of each class is approximately 3 1/2 hours.

The Academy is designed to increase understanding between JSO and the citizens of Duval County and to foster a partnership within the neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The goal of the Citizen's Academy is to create and develop a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential to influence public awareness about law enforcement policies and practices. By providing relevant information to others in the community, graduates assist JSO in increasing citizen involvement on issues of mutual concern. This active participation will improve the quality of life and build lasting and productive communication channels.

Each week JSO representatives speak candidly about various functions of the department. Subjects include: patrol, traffic enforcement, crime prevention, organized crime, community affairs and communications. Tours of the Prison Farm, Pre-Trial Detention Facilty, Police Memorial Building and Police Academy are given. Demonstrations are made by the Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, Swat Team, Mounted (Horse) Unit, Aviation Unit and Bicycle Unit.

During the Academy, citizens are able to participate in live firing of weapons, defensive driving tactics, DUI field sobriety tests, and a firearms simulator.

Sheriff Glover credits the involvement of citizens, neighborhood associations, and crime prevention programs for the considerable reduction of crime in Jacksonville. To date, JSO has conducted 8 Citizen Academy classes with 238 citizens having graduated. It is the intention of JSO to continue to provide this invaluable experience to our citizenry.

For those interested in participating in the Citizen's Academy or to learn more about the program, contact:
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Human Resources (Recruiting)
501 E. Bay St., Suite 303
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-2134