Citizens’ Academy
Citizens’ Academy
The 2026 Benton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy program application is now accepting applications until September 3, 2026.
Application Forms for adults and minors (ages 14-17 with guardian) are located here:
The BCSO Citizens’ Academy is an opportunity for you to learn about and gain a better appreciation for the challenges and accomplishments of your Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
The goal of the BCSO Citizens’ Academy is to create a safer community through a better understanding and partnership between Benton County residents and the Sheriff’s Office. Citizens’ Academy is not designed to train citizens as law enforcement personnel or to exercise law enforcement authority of any kind.
2026 Class Dates
Eight Tuesday evenings starting September 8th through October 27th from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. There are two Saturday sessions: September 26th and October 3rd from 8:30am – 2:15pm.
How to Apply
Fill out and return the Citizens’ Academy Application to the email address in the instructions.
FAQs
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) invites applications from community members of all ethnic, cultural and civic groups. Both men and women are encouraged to apply and there are no age restrictions for adults.
Applicants between the ages of 14 and 17 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 toward adults and we do not accept those under age 14.
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.
Most instructors are sworn Benton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies who teach in their area of expertise. Other instructors work with the Sheriff’s Office as employees, volunteers, or law enforcement partner agencies.