CITIZENS ACADEMY

 PROGRAM

(C.A.P.)

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy Program (CAP)is a 7-week course offered free of charge to educate interested citizens about the law enforcement and detention services provided by the Sheriff’s Office. Over the course of the program, staff members from the agency will deliver presentations covering a wide array of topics on the agency’s personnel, equipment, specialty units, and programs to give our citizens the opportunity to learn more about the accomplishments and challenges faced by the Sheriff’s Office on a daily basis. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the Sheriff and other employees of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, as well as tour several facilities and equipment. 

 
 

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE COVERED DURING THE PROGRAM?

Most classes are held in a classroom setting for approximately 2 ½ hours with one or two presenters from different divisions of the agency. The remaining classes are field trips which offer tours of the Marion County Jail, the Inmate Work Farm, a Specialty Units Static Display of Equipment, the Emergency Management facility, and the Sheriff’s Office Fleet division. Transportation is provided to the field trip location and return back to the same designated location after the tour. A graduation for the participants who complete the program will be held at the end of the program.

The program will have presentations from the following divisions:

  • Fiscal

  • Human Resources

  • Training

  • Patrol Operations

  • Evidence

  • Internal Affairs

  • The Drug Unit

  • Property Crimes and Major Crimes including the Domestic Violence Unit

  • Juvenile Division

  • Cold Case Unit

  • Civil, Bailiff and Court Services

  • Public Information Office

  • The Sheriff’s Youth Ranches

  • The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITIZENS ACADEMY?

While the program is primarily intended for the citizens of Marion County who seek to become more informed on law enforcement issues, those contemplating a career in the field are also welcome to apply.

Since the inception of the Citizen’s Academy in the summer of 2013, hundreds of members of the community have participated and completed the program. It has been successful in educating citizens of Marion County on the operations of the Sheriff ’s Office and the many issues that relate to law enforcement and detention. It is a chance for our citizens to get an inside look and working knowledge of every aspect of the agency, and to create a relationship of trust and understanding between the Sheriff ’s Office and the Marion County Citizens.

  • Applicants will be subject to a background check

  • Must have no Felony convictions

  • Must be 18 years of age

  • Must be able to attend all classes (one absence is accepted, any additional are a case by case basis)