Citizens Academy

The Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is designed to expose participants to many different aspects of law enforcement including the day-to-day operation of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Participants will hear presentations from the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, K-9 handlers as well as state and federal agencies. They will also tour the Sheriff’s Office, the Detention Facility, the Magistrate’s Office, and see demonstrations of the Sheriff’s K-9 teams, Firearms and the Sheriff’s Patrol and Emergency Response Team.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is now offering the Sheriff Citizen’s Academy (SCA) to members of the public.

Academy Objectives

  • Increase communication and build a relationship of trust and understanding between the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of New Hanover County.
  • Provide education and insight to citizens of New Hanover County concerning the job functions and duties of the Sheriff's Office.
  • Create a non-threatening setting for citizens to share their concerns with Sheriff's Office personnel.
  • To foster over time a growing pool of well-informed citizens (graduates) that will share newly acquired knowledge and insight with others.

Structure

The Sheriff's Citizens Academy lasts for eleven weeks. Classes will be at least three hours per session, beginning at 6 pm and ending at 9 pm every Tuesday. The location for each class will vary depending on the course material. The Academy coordinator will provide an itinerary to inform students of the location for each class session the week prior.

Qualifications

  • Complete and sign a Sheriff Citizen Academy application
  • Be at least 18 years of age or older
  • Allow a background check, and not have any prior felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions that question the moral character of the applicant.
  • Be willing to commit to attending a 3-hour class every Tuesday evening from 6 pm to 9 pm for eleven weeks.

Registering

The next class is scheduled to be held: Fall 2022, August 16 through October 25. If you are interested in attending you may return your signed application to any New Hanover County Sheriff’s Deputy or by email to W. Monyjoy.

View the Sheriff Citizens Academy Application (PDF).