Registration Open for Citizens Law Enforcement Academy

BRADENTON -- You can now register for the next Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, scheduled for March 3- May 12. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office hosts academy classes twice each year. Academy courses are designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the criminal justice system. The series of 11 classes on various law enforcement topics encourage discussion.

Classes are held on a designated evening, typically from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Most are held at the Manatee Technical Institute (MTI)-East Campus located at 5520 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton. Other location may be announced in class. Enrollment is free.

The classes will provide an in-depth view into various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that effect law enforcement efforts in Manatee County. Academy classes are taught by Sheriff's Office and Police executives, as well as veteran officers. Students will have the opportunity to meet with Sheriff Steube and they are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office hopes there will be a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement's role in the community through the education provided by the Law Enforcement Academy. An added benefit is that participants learn the importance of developing partnerships with the Sheriff's and Police Departments. The goal is that participants, upon completion of the course, will attain a better understanding of what the Sheriff's Office does and why, and experience improved communication and partnership between themselves and the agency.

Graduates may choose to join the Manatee County Sheriff's Office - Volunteer Program. Being a volunteer provides an opportunity for continued education in the field of law enforcement and allows a more interpersonal association with the Sheriff's Office.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

    Communications / 911
    Patrol Functions
    Internal Affairs
    Enforcement Bureau
    Crime Lab
    Crime Prevention
    Criminal Investigations Bureau
    Court Services
    Corrections Bureau Operations
    Training
    Special Teams Display
    Self-defense

For those interested in attending the Citizens Academy you may sign up by email by providing your full name name, mailing address, phone number, race, sex, and date of birth for purpose of criminal history check.

This information should be emailed to Cynthia Truewell

You will be notified by US Mail if your application has been accepted and are included in the upcoming class (limited to 70).