Citizens Academy

The mission of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy is to develop partnerships between the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves. We will achieve this goal by providing participants with insight and a realistic understanding of Sheriff’s Office procedures and operations.

Introduction

To facilitate our mission the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Academy will introduce community members to their local law enforcement agency, and to give them the opportunity to learn more about how it operates. Through an inside look at the police department, misconceptions about the police are erased, and there is an increased awareness regarding the specialized service that the police department provides.

During the course of the 6-week Citizen Academy, participants will be introduced to a variety of topics as described under the curriculum outline. This curriculum may change to suit the needs of the community.

Making our department more accessible to residents results in a stronger network of community support, and encourages residents to begin to view themselves as "stakeholders" in our law enforcement efforts. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional Law Enforcement Academy; however, the weekly sessions are not designed to train the participant as a law enforcement officer.

The Academy classes are taught by both civilian members and sworn law enforcement officers. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the Sheriff, and other staff members. Academy members are encouraged to ask questions as well as express ideas and concerns to Agency employees.

Primary Objectives:

Increase communication and build a relationship of trust and understanding between the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of our community.
Provide education and insight to citizens of the community concerning the job functions and duties of a law enforcement deputy.
Create a non-threatening setting for citizens to share their concerns with Sheriff’s Office employees.
Fosters, over time, a growing pool of well informed “graduates” who will share newly acquired knowledge and insight with others.
Build a pool of alumni graduates that could support the agency as volunteers or with community fundraisers.

Selection Procedures and Participant Requirements

Citizen Academy participants are selected by the F.C.S.O. Crime Prevention Unit through an application process. Enrollment is limited to approximately 15 students per Academy Class.

Potential candidates for the Citizen Academy must meet the Following Criteria:

Minimum of 18 Years of Age.
Live or work in the County of Flagler.
No felony convictions.
No misdemeanor convictions within one year of application, which questions the moral character of the applicant.
Any requirement may be waived or modified upon review and approval of the Sheriff.