The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the Spring 2024 basic class.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 36hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system. This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos. The course will tentatively start on Feb. 15.
The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. Topics presented during the Citizens Academy include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics, Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations and more. Students can connect with instructors and staff and share their experiences, and both law enforcement officers and students gain a better understanding of the needs, wants and realities of the criminal justice system and the local communities.
Students may have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center and the Public Safety Building — including a state-of-theart communications center. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift.
Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@ co.hays.tx.us. The application is also available for download online at hayscountytx. com/lawenforcement/ sheriff. Applications must be received on or before Jan. 31.
Individuals with felony convictions, who are currently on parole or probation or have been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible to attend. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in Hays County. For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact Deputy Mark Andrews at (512) 393-7373 or at mark. [email protected]. tx.us.
