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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Those interested in getting an in-person look at what it’s like to serve as a sheriff’s deputy in Shelby County will have the chance thanks to the upcoming Citizen’s Sheriff Academy presented by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

This year’ installment of the eight-week program will begin March 13 with registration set to open sometime in mid-February. The upcoming Citizen’s Sheriff Academy marks the 22nd annual class to go through the course which aims to help its participants better understand the missions, operations and functions of the SCSO.

“Empowering our citizens through education and helping them better understand the inner-workings of their sheriff’s office is important to us,” Sheriff John Samaniego said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and we always look forward to a new class coming on board and allowing us to share a close-up look at our operations with them.”

Major Jay Fondren said the SCSO is always excited to see a new group of citizens participate in the academy and that it really serves as an opportunity to further the department’s relationship with the community.

“A program such as this is yet another opportunity to build relationships with our citizens and educate them on ways to protect themselves and their families,” Fondren said. “It is also a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our professionalism, which helps build citizen confidence in our agency.”

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office hosts two classes of the Citizen’s Sheriff Academy each year, during which participants observe presentations and demonstrations firsthand from SCSO deputies.

The course includes 18-plus hours of instruction and the class meets one night per week for eight consecutive weeks from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursdays with one Saturday session scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon. The Saturday session will provide participants with basic firearms safety training and an opportunity to use the SCSO firearms range. Dress code for the event is business casual.

“During this program, participants get an opportunity to look at every unit and division within the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office,” Fondren said.

The opportunities the academy offers range from an in-depth tour of the Shelby County Jail, a ride-along with a patrol deputy, presentations by criminal investigators and the district attorney and a demonstration by the tactical response unit.

The course topics for the academy consists of the following:

• 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

Fondren emphasized that the class is designed for everyone. The Citizen’s Sheriff Academy is available to anyone who works or lives in Shelby County and is 18 years old or older.

“We have yet to have anyone regret coming to a class, and in fact, most students don’t want the course to end when it’s over,” Fondren said. “If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out and we will be glad to talk more in detail with you about this course.”