Update: The application period for the upcoming Citizens Police Academy has ended. Thank you to all who expressed interest!

CCSO Invites Charles County Citizens to Participate in Citizens Police Academy

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2017 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) class, set to begin in September. This 12-week program will begin on September 20, 2017, and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 13, 2017, with the exception of Wednesday, November 22. The classes will be held in the first-floor classroom of the CCSO District 3 Station located at 3670 Leonardtown Road in Waldorf.

“Last year we hosted the Inaugural Class of the Citizens Police Academy, and it was an awesome success,” said Sheriff Troy Berry. “A group of citizens had the opportunity to learn about what our job is like, and we got to hear their perspectives on our role in public safety. Through this program, we have developed strong community partners in our CPA alumni and we plan to continue to build those strong relationships.”

Participants will learn about a wide range of topics including:

  • Patrol Procedures
  • Narcotics Investigations
  • Forensic Evidence
  • Criminal Law
  • Juvenile Issues
  • Use of Force
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Search and Seizure

Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the CCSO Headquarters, Charles County Detention Center, Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, and Crime Lab. Hands-on experiences will include a Firearms Training Simulator (FATS) and crime scene processing.  Participants will have the opportunity to ride with a police officer and to experience policing from an officer’s perspective. Participation in the Ride-along Program is not required but is strongly encouraged.

The Citizens Police Academy is a valuable opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about the realities of policing. Individuals who wish to apply will be subject to a background check. This program is free of charge. There are a limited number of seats available, so anyone interested in participating in the CPA should submit their application as soon as possible.

Additional information and applications for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy can be found on our website at www.ccso.us/citizens-police-academy. Applications are due no later than August 31, 2017, and should be mailed to:

Charles County Sheriff’s Office
6915 Crain Highway
PO Box 189
La Plata, MD 20646
Attn: Human Resources

Additional questions about the program or application process should be directed to Lt. David Kelly or Lt. Charly Baker at 301-609-6487.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Learn more at the CCSO’s website.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of more than 600 police, corrections and civilian personnel responsible for protecting more than 150,000 residents. The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2001 and has been designated as a CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence agency since 2011. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit www.ccso.us.      

 

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