SJSO

ST. JOHNS COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

ROBERT A. HARDWICK, SHERIFF

"SERVE WITH EXCELLENCE"

CLEA Header

CItizen LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY (CLEA)

Participants in the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy will gain an insiders’ perspective on law enforcement and how the criminal justice system works. It is designed to provide the public with a working knowledge of their Sheriff’s Office’s mission, operation, policies and personnel, and we hope it will nurture mutual trust and cooperation between the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of St. Johns County.

The curriculum will be presented by qualified instructors and will include such topics as communications, jail procedure and tour, narcotics operations and criminal investigation, patrol and K-9 operations, use of force and defensive tactics. Citizens will also get an inside perspective in driving maneuvers and firearms operation at the shooting range.

Citizen Police Academies represent a vital part of community-oriented policing and help get the public involved by making them a part of the law enforcement family. The academy provides a productive outlet for the mutual sharing of information and concerns in order to further the common goals of our community and the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon successful completion of the academy, each graduate will attend a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion. Completion of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy will not enable you, as a citizen, to take any law enforcement action. However, it will give you enough insight into what we do to make a difference in our law enforcement efforts.

These type programs have a history of great success and significant levels of interest on the part of the community.

Because we are limited on class space for the academy, we urge anyone interested in attending the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy to please contact Public Affairs and Community Engagement Team. We look forward to your participation.

APPLICATION

Each year, the Sheriff’s Office hosts two classes: one in the spring, and one in the fall. The academy will meet once a week for eleven weeks for 3 hours each night. We are currently taking applications.

Please contact our Public Affairs and Community Engagement Team for more information.