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Sheriff's Office – Citizen's Academy

Citizen's Academy

 

	The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for you to learn about and gain a better appreciation for the challenges and accomplishments of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (download application). For more information about the Citizen's Academy program, we've provided answers to these frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citizen’s Academy? What will I learn? What is the class atmosphere like? What kind of commitment is expected? When is the next session? Where do the classes meet? Who can participate? Who are the instructors? Can I get college credit for taking this course? What does it cost? How do I sign up? How can I find out more information?

 

Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Citizen’s Academy?

The Citizen’s Academy is an opportunity for you to learn about and gain a better appreciation for the challenges and accomplishments of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

The BCSO Citizen’s Academy is not being held to train citizens as law enforcement personnel or to exercise law enforcement authority of any kind, but rather to create a safer community through a better understanding and partnership between Benton County citizens and the Sheriff’s Office.

What will I learn?

You'll have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics from investigations to marine patrol, from report writing to jail operations.

You'll take a tour of the Sheriff’s Office and of the Benton County Corrections Facility, try your hand at a simulated incident response and see a patrol K9 demonstration.

Classes will be a mix of instruction, discussion and participation.

What is the class atmosphere like?

The classroom atmosphere is relaxed. Dress is casual. You are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussions and activities.

That said, we ask that all participants respect other Academy class members and the instructors by being on time, keeping comments and discussions focused on the topic at hand and managing distractions by leaving their cell phones at home or turning them off.

What kind of a commitment is expected?

There is no commitment beyond attending classes. Graduation requires that you attend at least 80 percent of the class.

When is the next session?

The Citizen's Academy is offered in the fall, usually in September and October.  There are eight Tuesday evening sessions from 6:30p - 9:30p and two Saturday sessions from 8:30a - 2:20p.  Specific dates will be found in the current application and are usually announced in the Spring.

Where do the classes meet?

The first class, and the majority of classes, will meet at the Law Enforcement Building (LEB) Police Conference Room (PCR), 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis.

But we'll also be at the boat docks and at the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) at the airport.

Who can participate?

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office invites applications from community residents of both genders, of all ages, and members of all ethnic, cultural and civic groups.

As part of the application process, you must agree to authorize the BCSO to conduct a criminal history check. Felony convictions or other circumstances that would make participation inappropriate may be cause for denial of admission.

Applicants under age 18 must have a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Academy is geared for adults.

Who are the instructors?

Most of the instructors are sworn Deputies of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office who teach in their area of expertise.

Other instructors are connected with the Sheriff’s Office either as employees or volunteers, or as members of other agencies in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Can I get College credit for taking this course?

In the past Linn-Benton Community College Criminal Justice Department has offered one (1) college credit for successful completion of the Citizen’s Academy. You have to register with the College. Details will be at the first class session.

What does it cost?

It’s free! Because the Benton County Sheriff’s Office strives to include the broadest range of diversity within our community as participants, there is no charge for attending.

How do I sign up?

Complete the Citizen’s Academy application and submit it to the Sheriff's Office.

 

How Can I Find Out More Information?

For more information about the BCSO Citizen's Academy, contact:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-766-6858

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