Applications are now being accepted for the next Citizen’s Academy which is being taught by Community Resource Deputies from the City of Goleta, City of Carpinteria, Isla Vista Foot Patrol and the Community Resource Officer from the University of California Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD). This exciting, eight-week program begins on Wednesday, September 28, and ends on Saturday, November 12 with a final session, graduation and celebration BBQ. The Academy classes are held every Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at various locations throughout Santa Barbara County. The Citizen’s Academy is free and only has thirty spots available. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and able to attend all of the sessions in order to participate.

The Citizen’s Academy is a great way for community members to get an exclusive, inside look at what law enforcement does on a daily basis to protect its citizens. The classes will include a voluntary patrol ride-along, active shooter training, use of force, search and seizure law, building searches, force option simulators, arrest and control, and firearms. There will also be a tour of the jail, a presentation by Sheriff Brown and Chief Olson, and the K-9 Unit, just to name a few.

If you would like to participate in the Citizen’s Academy, please turn in an application by September 14.  You can scan and e-mail the application to Senior Deputy Dave Valadez at dmv4120@sbsheriff.org or you can drop it off in a sealed envelope at the Sheriff’s Office Marketplace Substation in Goleta.  For more information, call Senior Deputy Valadez at 805-319-9773.