Benton County Sheriff’s Office Accepting Applications for Citizens’ Academy

Corvallis, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is now accepting applications for its 2024 Citizens’ Academy. This free program is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

The Academy begins Tuesday, September 3rd, and meets for ten sessions ending October 22nd. The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on two Saturdays, September 28th and October 12th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Most classes meet at the Sheriff’s Office in Corvallis.

During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges and accomplishments of the BCSO. Most of the instructors are sworn deputies who share their experiences with the class.

The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, support services, and management of the Office.

The Citizens’ Academy is not designed to train citizens as law enforcement personnel or to exercise law enforcement authority of any kind.

The Academy is geared toward adults; BCSO does not accept those under the age of 14. Applicants between the ages of 14 and 17 must have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The class fills up quickly, so BCSO encourages you to register early. The deadline for applications is August 28, 2024.

Applications are available online at Citizens’ Academy – https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/citizens-academy/ or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.

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