The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for its 2022 spring class.
The Citizens Academy is tentatively scheduled to start on March 10. The course is a 45-hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system. This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos.
The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. The academy is intended to help increase public awareness and increase community relations and rapport with the Sheriff’s Office, according to Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler.
Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through its interaction with participants, Cutler said.
Participants will have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center, the Government Center and the Public Safety Building — including the state-of-the-art communications center if COVID-19 guidelines allow. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observ er during a regular patrol shift.
Class size is limited to 20 people per class to maintain social distance. Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by visiting co.hays.tx.us/sheriff.aspx.
Those with felony convictions, or who are currently on parole, probation, or anyone convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible to attend. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in Hays County.
For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact Deputy Mark Andrews at (512) 393-7373 or at [email protected]. tx.us.
