Sheriff’s Department offers workshops for public to learn about law enforcement

Special to the Mountain News from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department:

Sheriff offers Community Academy in Parkland

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department’s “Parkland” Community Academy is an opportunity for citizens to learn firsthand about law enforcement and the department’s role. The new 13-week session starts Sept. 21. Applications are now being accepted.

The course will familiarize the public with the Sheriff’s Department and provides insight into the practices of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The academy also affords an opportunity to meet the Sheriff and other department members.

The class covers constitutional law, hiring, training, patrol, detectives, policing the police, narcotics, K-9, crime analysis, the criminal justice system, and domestic violence. Field trips are scheduled to the 9-1-1 Communications Center, Forensics, Pierce County Jail and the Marksman firing range.

Classes will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. A background check is done of all applicants.

Please use the online application. If you would like one mailed to you or would like to register over the phone please call (253) 798-6646

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Aug. 29, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT:

Susan McDougal, Sheriff’s Department, (253) 798-6646

Editor’s Note: These workshops will also be repeated. Beginning on January 25, 2012, the Community Academy will meet in South Hill, and again on February 23, 2012 in University Place.

Ms. McDougal told the Mountain News that all participants must pre-register because they have to undergo a back-ground check.

“People will not be able to apply at the door the night of classes,” she said.

McDougal also said that these classes are often used by people who have legal issues and want to better understand the system.

“We don’t mind people with an agenda,” she said, “but we don’t want people dominating a class with their issues.”

McDougal also said that the classes are very popular and the 30-person limit is quickly met.

“We already have seventeen people signed-up,” she said, adding that she encourages applicants to apply online.

The Parkland classes will be held at the Pierce County Library Administrative Building on 112^th St and Waller Rd, and the South Hill classes will be hosted at the Sheriff’s Department’s precinct station on 160^th St and Meridian.

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