HAYS COUNTY – The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2024 Spring basic class. The course will tentatively start on Feb. 15.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 36-hour program designed to give citizens a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system. This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by HCSO staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays at the Public Safety Building, located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos.
The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the sheriff’s office through education, according to a news release. The academy will help increase public awareness and increase sheriff’s office and community relations and rapport. Consequently, the HCSO becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction.
Topics presented during the Citizens Academy include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations and more. Students can connect with instructors and staff, 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 communities we serve.
Students may have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention 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.
The class size is limited to 20 people per class; therefore, individuals are encouraged to submit their applications 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. Additionally, within the next few days, the application will be downloadable at www.hayscountytx.com/lawenforcement/sheriff.
Applications must be received on or before Jan. 31. Those accepted into the program can expect a welcome email and document packet to be emailed to them by Feb. 9.
A background check will be done and those with felony convictions, who are currently on parole or 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, contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit or Deputy Mark Andrews at 512-393-7373 or via email at mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us.
Applications for the Citizens Academy may be mailed, faxed, or emailed to:
Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit
Attention: Mark Andrews
810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666
Phone: 512-393-7373
Fax: 512 393-7879
mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us
