Sheriff Anthony Hipolito has announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Spring session of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy. The comprehensive, 12-week program is designed to provide residents with an in-depth understanding of the sheriff’s office and the criminal justice system.
The Citizens Academy aims to foster stronger relationships between the sheriff’s office and the community through education and interaction. Participants will gain insights into key operations, while law enforcement officers benefit from understanding the concerns and perspectives of the community.
The academy begins February 20 and will run on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, behind the Government Center. The free, 36-hour course is taught by sheriff’s office staff and guest speakers and offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with law enforcement professionals.
The program will cover a variety of topics, including patrol and jail operations, 9-1-1 dispatch, use of force, special weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, Crisis Negotiations, mental health and criminal investigations.
Participants will also have the chance to tour facilities such as the Hays County Jail, Juvenile Detention Center, and the state-of-theart Communications Center. Additionally, students may join deputies on a ride-along to experience a patrol shift firsthand.
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, reside or work in Hays County and successfully pass a background check. Individuals with felony convictions, those currently on parole or probation, or convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude, are not eligible.
Class size is limited to 20 participants, so early application is encouraged. Applications can be picked up in person at the Public Safety Building, 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, in San Marcos, or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@hayscountytx. gov. They can be downloaded online at: https://hayscountytx. com/law-enforcement/ sheriff/.
Completed applications must be submitted by February 14, 2025, and may be mailed to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Community Outreach Unit, Attention: Mark Andrews, faxed to 512 393-7373 or emailed to mark.andrews@ hayscountytx. gov.
