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How can I find out more information?

How can I find out more information?

For more information about the BCSO Citizens’ Academy, contact:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Citizens’ Academy
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
541-766-6858

How do I sign up?

Applications will be available to submit between June 30th and August 28th.

At that time, simply complete the Citizens’ Academy Application and submit it to the Sheriff’s Office.

Either email your signed application to the email address listed on the application form

OR

Print, sign, and either mail it or drop it off:
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Citizens’ Academy
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330

Once your application is submitted, we run a background check starting the first week of August. At that point you will hear from us confirming your application is accepted. If you submit your application in August, it might take a week to confirm acceptance of your application.

What does it cost?

It’s free! Because the Benton County Sheriff’s Office strives to include the broadest range of diversity within our community as participants, there is no charge for attending.

Is there a commitment expected after graduation?

Although many Citizens’ Academy participants choose to volunteer with the Sheriff’s Office after their Academy experience, there is no requirement to do so. We hope that you will share your experiences and what you learn with your neighbors and friends.

What are the graduation requirements?

There are no formal graduation requirements unless you are attending Citizens’ Academy for college credit.  Often LBCC offers college credit. To successfully complete the program for college credit you must attend both Saturday sessions and at least 6 out of the 8 Tuesday evening sessions.

Where do the classes meet?

The first class, and the majority of classes, will meet at the Law Enforcement Building (LEB) Police Conference Room (PCR – first floor), 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis.

But we’ll also be at the boat docks and at other locations in the County.

Who are the instructors?

Most of the instructors are sworn Deputies of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office who teach in their area of expertise. Other instructors are connected with the Sheriff’s Office either as employees or volunteers, or as members of other agencies in law enforcement or criminal justice.

Who can participate?

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.

When is the next session?

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy is offered in the fall, usually in September and October. There are eight Tuesday evening sessions from 6pm – 9pm and two Saturday sessions from 8:30a – 2:15p. Specific dates will be found in the current application and are usually announced in the Spring.

For 2025, the sessions will start Tuesday, September 2nd and run through October 21st. The two Saturday session will take place September 13th and October 4th from 8:30am until about 2:15pm.

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