OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Have you ever been curious about the inner workings of a law enforcement agency?
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Citizens Academy and Partnership program gives the public an opportunity to learn about how they operate with a free, seven-week educational course that provides an in-depth look at how things work.
The sheriff’s office is accepting applications for the program that begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Classes are held at MCSO’s multi-purpose room, located at 3300 NW 10th Street in Ocala. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Each week the program will center on a different facet of the agency and some weeks will include field trips to see things like the jail, the inmate work farm, Emergency Management facility, and demonstrations of tools and technology like those used by the bomb squad.
Program days also include static displays of the department’s fleet of specialized vehicles including its helicopters.
There may be more interest in the Citizens Academy since the debut of a docuseries called Chopper Cops featuring MCSO’s elite helicopter unit, Air One.
Program participants will also learn about personnel, policies, and procedures. They’ll also have a chance to hear from experts in a number of fields including law enforcement, investigations, detention and administration.
If you’re interested in participating, apply on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s website. For questions or more information, call (352) 438-5998.