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HCSO Accepting Applications for Fall 2013 Citizens Sheriff’s Academy

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for the Fall 2013 Citizens Sheriff’s Academy class starting on Thursday, September 12, 2013. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Sheriff’s Academy is approximately 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 as it works in our County. The program includes 13 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff.

The primary objective of the academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. It is further hoped that the academy will increase public awareness, dispel suspicions, misconceptions, and increase Sheriff’s Office and community rapport. At the same time, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants interaction and input. The instructors of this academy are the supervisors, deputies, and correction officers who work in the areas being taught, and their instructions will give participants insight into the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. In return, class instructors receive direct feedback from the class participants on the effects the Sheriff’s Office has on their lives.

Class hours are from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and meets on Thursdays. On occasion, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy will have joint classes with the San Marcos Police Department’s Citizens Academy. There are some activities that will take place on a Saturday (tactical police driving and firearms). Students will have the opportunity to see demonstrations by the Hays County SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiations Team, Narcotics Task Force, K-9 units, tours of the Hays County Law Enforcement Center and Corrections Complex, Communications Center, and Government Center. Students will also have the opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during their regular shift.

The requirements are simple. You must fill out an application and consent to a background check. Those persons with felony convictions, or who are currently on probation, and anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and either reside, or work, in Hays County.

Once you graduate, you are encouraged to become a member of the Hays County Citizens Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association. Alumni members become our volunteer base and are often called upon to assist the Sheriff’s Office with special events and projects. Your successful completion can also lead to other opportunities of service through the Sheriff’s Office, including Community Emergency Response Team, Volunteers In Policing Service, Victims Assistance, and Junior Deputy Academy, just to name a few. Class size is limited to 24 people per class so it is important to get your application in early to avoid the waiting list. Applications can be picked up at the Hays County Sheriff’s Office or downloaded from the Sheriff’s Office website at: http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/download_file/view/2295/348/.

For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, please contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Division and Deputy Tom Ormsby at 512-393-7373 or via email at tormsby@co.hays.tx.us. To apply for the Citizens Academy complete the application and mail, fax, or email it to:

Hays County Sheriff’s Office
c/o Community Outreach Division
Attention: Citizens Academy
1307 Uhland Road
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Phone: 512-393-7373
Fax: 512 393-7879
tormsby@co.hays.tx.us