The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2024 Spring basic class. The course will tentatively start on February 15.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 36-hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system.
This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail. in San Marcos, directly behind the Government Center.
The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. The academy will help increase public awareness and increase Sheriff’s Office and community relations and rapport. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction.
Topics presented during the Citizens Academy include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations, and more. Students can connect with instructors and staff, share their experiences, and both law enforcement officers and students gain a better understanding of the needs, wants, and realities of the criminal justice system and the communities we serve.
Students may have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center, and the Public Safety Building including the state-of-theart communications center. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift. The class size is limited to 20 people per class, so it is important to get your application in early.
Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark. [email protected]. Additionally, within the next few days, you will be able to download the application from our website at: https://hayscountytx.com/ lawenforcement/sheriff/ Applications must be received on or before January 31. Those accepted into the program can expect a welcome email and document packet to be emailed to them by February 9.
A background check will be done and those persons with felony convictions, who are currently on parole or probation, or anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible to attend. Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and either reside or work in Hays County.
For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy or to email applications, contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit or Deputy Mark Andrews at (512)393-7373 or via email at [email protected] Applications may be mailed to: Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit Attention: Mark Andrews, 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666.
