The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is inviting all citizens who live or work in Beaufort County and are at least 18 years old to attend the upcoming 30th session of our Citizen’s Police Academy.
The Beaufort Class starts September 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Law Enforcement Center, 2001 Duke Street. The session will last 10 weeks.
Class participants will learn about all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office and will have face time with the decision and policymakers of the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office provides each member with an in-depth manual containing the necessary course material. Refreshments are also provided for each session.
Topics covered by CPA instructors include but are not limited to: enforcement, criminal investigations, civil process, warrants, juvenile services, training, homeland security, drug enforcement, traffic enforcement, special teams, gangs, and budget process.
The CPA also provides various hands-on demonstrations to enhance participation. Don a pair of latex gloves and immerse yourself in the world of Crime Scene Processing with a CSI scenario. Suit up and learn the physical and legal dangers of firing your duty weapon utilizing the Shoot/Don’t Shoot exercises in the “Walk in Our Shoes” scenarios. Experience the dangers of drinking and driving in our DUI Fatal Vision scenario. All of these exercises, although extremely entertaining, are designed to give you a snapshot of what law enforcement around the country is faced with every day.
Also included in the program is a ride-along with a patrol deputy, and field trips to both the Beaufort County Emergency Management Center, and to the Sheriff’s Office range facility to showcase some specialized equipment and teams.
Once you have completed the program, you are invited to take part in a graduation ceremony designed to show appreciation and pride for your commitment to making Beaufort County a better place to live.
For more information, please contact Staff Sgt. M. Jennings at 255-3287 or by email at mjennings@bcgov.net. RSVP’s are needed due to a limited amount of space. The department can reserve the right to modify the dates and times to accommodate the volume of participants and/or instructor availability. All persons must sign a waiver prior to participating in the “Walk in Our Shoes” scenario.

<em>How can you apply? Applications for CPA are available at the Sheriff’s Office, or online at www.bcso.net. To have an application mailed, please contact Captain T.W. Smith at 255-3292.</em>