Citizens’ Academy
Citizens’ Academy
The 2025 Benton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy is now closed. To join the 2026 program, submit your name, email address, and optionally your phone number using the form below. We will send you a link to the application by email in June 2026.
About the Program
The BCSO Citizens’ Academy gives you the opportunity to learn about your Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Through the program, you will gain a better appreciation for the challenges and accomplishments of your local law enforcement.
Our goal is to build a safer community. We do this by fostering understanding and partnership between Benton County residents and the Sheriff’s Office. Please note that Citizens’ Academy does not train citizens as law enforcement personnel. Participants do not exercise law enforcement authority of any kind.
2026 Class Dates
The 2026 Academy meets for eight Tuesday evenings, running from September through October, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The program also includes two Saturday sessions.
How to Apply
We will post the link to the Application Form in June 2026. Check back here at that time to submit your application.
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.