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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Those seeking to experience the real world of law enforcement and learn what it is like to be a sheriff’s deputy in Shelby County will soon have that opportunity thanks to the upcoming Citizen’s Sheriff Academy presented by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

While dates and registrations for the upcoming program are not yet available, the SCSO is already raising awareness for the upcoming opportunity that will provide individuals with presentations and demonstrations delivered directly from its own experienced deputies.

During the academy, participants will be educated on the daily operations and functions of the sheriff’s office while also developing an understanding of the department’s mission in public service.

Training techniques and procedures will also be covered, such as those utilized in traffic stops, drug enforcement and tactical team responses. This experience, while consisting of some traditional classroom instruction, will also branch out from in front of the whiteboard and place participants in live training scenarios that involve them in immersive experiences.

“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response Unit will demonstrate situations that they are trained to handle,” read a description of the program. “From the planning stage through execution, you will see how they prepare for a mission and why they use the methods and techniques they use.”

In the course of those scenarios, program participants will be able to closely inspect and observe some of the equipment and weapons utilized by the sheriff’s office and learn what it takes to use them safely and effectively.

“An opportunity to ‘ride along’ on patrol with a deputy will also be included in the academy,” read the program’s description. “Plus, you will see videos of real-life situations encountered by law enforcement officers that (may) cause you to rethink what it means for a deputy to respond to any situation, and help you gain a realistic understanding of the knowledge and skills it takes to do the job of a sheriff’s deputy.”

The course in its entirety will include more than 18 hours of instructional material and will see classes meet one night per week for eight consecutive weeks from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursday evenings. The program will also include one Saturday session from 8 a.m. to noon on an undetermined date.

On that date, students will receive basic firearms safety training and will have the opportunity to utilize the Sheriff’s Office firearms range.

A list of included course topics approached by the program include:

• Patrol division overview
• Alabama firearms laws and safety training
• Corrections
• Criminal investigations
• Drug task force
• Laws and the court system
• Sheriff’s office organization and staffing
• Special units
• Tactical response unit

Prior to registration, participants must be at least 18 years of age or older and either live or work within Shelby County to be eligible.

A business casual dress code will also be enforced during program participation and students are expected to maintain continuous and on-time attendance. Students that accrue more than two absences will not be allowed to continue onward or finish the academy.

Due to the nature of the program, all applicants will be subject to criminal history background checks and driver history checks prior to their acceptance.

Registration dates for the academy are expected to become available in the coming weeks.

Those with questions regarding the program are encouraged to call Deputy John Baggett at 205-670-6321 or via email at jbaggett@shelbyso.com.