LAKEPORT — The 16th session of the Lake County Sheriff”s Citizens” Academy is scheduled to commence on March 15 and will be held at the Lake County Superior Court in Dept. 4.
According to a LCSO press release, the citizens” academy has proven 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.
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 are also welcome to apply. 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.
“I think the program is a tremendous benefit to the community and to the Sheriff”s Department employees who serve as instructors,” said Lt. Patrick McMahon, academy director. “It provides an avenue to build public trust and break down the barrier of misunderstanding between the public and law enforcement personnel who serve them.”
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 at 6 p.m., Thursday evenings and conclude each night at 9 p.m. The academy will conclude with graduation ceremonies.
Contact Rene Morales at rmorales@record-bee.com.
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
Those wishing to enroll can do so at the Sheriff”s Main Office, located at 1220 Martin Street in Lakeport. For further information, please contact the academy director, Lt. Patrick McMahon at 262-4200.
