Applications Being Accepted for the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy

Santa Barbara- Applications are now being accepted for the Santa Barbara South County Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy. The exciting, eight class Academy begins on Wednesday, May 28 and goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office located at 4434 Calle Real in Santa Barbara. Classes will be held every Wednesday through July 16, during that same time period, at various locations throughout Santa Barbara County. A final graduation class will be held on July 19. The Citizen’s Academy is free and only has twenty spots available on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to participate and live in the South County area.

The Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is a great way for the public to get an exclusive, inside look at what the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office does on a daily basis to protect its citizens. The classes will include a voluntary patrol ride-a-long and hands-on law enforcement training. The instruction is scheduled to involve Arrest and Control, Pursuit Driving, Firearms, Forensics, DUI Investigation, Building Searches, as well as presentations by the agency’s Special Enforcement Team, K9 Unit, Air Support Unit and more. There will also be a tour of the jail and presentations made by Sheriff Bill Brown.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Santa Barbara South County Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy, contact Senior Deputy Dave Valadez at 805-968-3878, or his cell phone at 805-669-8031. You can also e-mail him at dmv4120@sbsheriff.org or drop by the Goleta Police, Sheriff’s substation at the Camino Real Marketplace at 7042 Marketplace Drive. The spots fill up quickly, so a prompt response is recommended.