Hays County Sheriff’s Office's Citizens Academy accepting applications

Sheriff Gary Cutler announced that the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2021 class, tentatively starting April 8. Applications are due March 15.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is 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.

The 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 new Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, directly behind the Hays County Government Center.

The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the sheriff’s office through education. The academy intends to help increase public awareness and increase community relations and rapport. The sheriff’s office in turn learns about the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants.

The instructors of this academy are supervisors, deputies, correction officers and guest speakers who work in the areas being taught, and their training will give participants insight into the day-to-day operations of the sheriff’s office. Class instructors receive direct feedback from the class participants on the effects the sheriff’s office has on their lives.

Students will have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center, the Government Center and the Public Safety Building including the state-of-the-art communications center. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift.

Due to the pandemic, class size is limited to 20 people per class to maintain social distancing, so it is important to get applications in early. Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@ co.hays.tx.us. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.co.hays.tx.us/ sheriff.aspx.

People with felony con victions, or who are currently on parole, probation, or anyone who has 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, please contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Division or Deputy Mark Andrews at 512-393-7373 or via email at mark.andrews@co.hays. tx.us