The Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen Police Academy is an educational and rewarding experience... I encourage everyone to take advantage of this FREE 12-week program.
The mission of the Richland Citizen's Academy Program is to educate and inform the community... provide a forum for police/community interaction and identify community problems, needs and concerns. We want to give citizens an overview of our Department's structure, services and personnel. Each week you will have a qualified instructor to explain how each division of the Richland County Sheriff's Department operates including:
- Uniform Patrol Division
- Investigations
- Narcotics Enforcement
- Gang Unit
- Special Response Team
- Physical Evidence/Crime Lab
- Canine Unit
- School Resource Officers
- Deputy Sheriff Selection
- Professional Standards
- Youth Crimes
- Victim's Assistance
- Training Division
- 911 Communications Center
- Aviation
Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. The final session is a ride-along with on-duty deputies. After the 12th week, participants have a graduation event with a photo session -- which I am always proud to attend. These weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a Police Officer. It's more an opportunity to receive some of the training that a recruit receives while attending the Police Academy .
Here are the requirements to attend: You have to be at least 21 years old, have no misdemeanor arrests within 1 year of application, and no felony convictions. If you are interested in participating in the RCSD Citizen’s Academy, please complete an application- you can go to http://www.rcsd.net/prog/citizenacademy.htm or call the Community Action Team at (803) 419-5331.
The next session starts January 17th, 2012!
Citizens can access important information about crime prevention, free safety training and community resources at:
Website: www.rcsd.net Twitter: http://twitter.com/RCSD
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialRCSDPage.fb
Facebook Teens: https://www.facebook.com/rcsdkids
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