Sign-ups continue for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Police Academy for any county resident age 18 and older.
The class will be held on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning Aug. 20, in Beaufort at the Law Enforcement Center, 2001 Duke St.; another class is held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning Aug. 22, at Technical College of the Lowcountry’s New River Campus, 100 Community College Drive, Room 125, in Okatie.
The class is designed for those who want to know what is it like being a law enforcement officer, those who want to know how their tax dollars are spent in relation to the Sheriff’s Office, and those who want to learn more about protecting themselves, family and property.
Class participants will learn about almost all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office and will have face time with decision- and policymakers of the BCSO. The Sheriff’s Office provides each member with an in-depth digital manual and refreshments.
Some of the topics covered by CPA instructors include: crisis negotiations, traffic management, juvenile services, enforcement, criminal investigations, civil process, warrants, drug enforcement, traffic enforcement, special teams, gangs, budget process and more.
The CPA also provides various “hands-on” demonstrations to enhance participation in the program, such as learning the physical and legal dangers of firing a duty weapon in our Firearms Training Simulator.
Learn how to protect yourself better during an active shooter demonstration event. All of these exercises, although entertaining, are designed to give citizens a snapshot of what law enforcement around the country is faced with every day.
Students are taken on a tour of the Beaufort County Law Enforcement Center, Detention Center and Courthouse. They may observe a special training demonstration by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and the K-9 unit.
CPA graduates are given an opportunity to go on a ride-along with a patrol officer.
Applications for the Academy may be completed online at bcso.net/cpa-application. For more information, contact Sgt. Daniel Allen at daniela@bcgov.net or 843-255-3293, or contact MSgt. Mike Jennings at 843-255-3287 or mjennings@bcgov.net.
