What is the class atmosphere like?

Participants are often full of questions and present a positive atmosphere. By the end of class, many participants have made new friends.

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.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics from investigations to marine patrol, from parole and probation to jail operations.

You’ll take a tour of the Sheriff’s Office and of the Benton County Jail, take a jet boat ride, see a patrol K9 demonstration in addition to several other demonstrations and tours.

Classes will be a mix of instruction, discussion and participation.