The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2022 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) class, set to begin in September. This 12-week program will begin on September 14, 2022, and will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 7, 2022, with the exception of Wednesday, November 23. The classes will be held in various locations, to include the CCSO Headquarters, District 3 Station, Community Services Annex, Crime Lab, Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, and the Charles County Courthouse.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Citizens Police Academy back for our seventh year,” said Sheriff Troy Berry. “This invaluable program gives community members the chance to go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to be a police officer, and it affords us the opportunity to connect with citizens and understand their perception of law enforcement. This is an important tool that we use to continue to enhance the relationship between police and the communities we serve.”

Participants will learn about a wide range of topics, including:
•             Patrol Procedures
•             Narcotics Investigations
•             Forensic Evidence
•             Criminal Law
•             Juvenile Issues
•             Use of Force
•             Criminal Investigations
•             Search and Seizure

Participants will get hands-on experiences to include a Firearms Training Simulator (FATS) and crime scene processing. They will also have the opportunity to ride with a police officer and to experience policing from an officer’s perspective. Participation in the Ride-along Program is not required but is strongly encouraged.

The Citizens Police Academy is a valuable opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about the realities of policing. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and residents of Charles County. Individuals who wish to apply will be subject to a background check. This program is free of charge. There are a limited number of seats available, so anyone interested in participating in the CPA should submit their application as soon as possible.

Additional information and applications for the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy can be found on our website. Applications are due no later than July 31, 2022, and should be mailed to:

Charles County Sheriff’s Office
6915 Crain Highway
PO Box 189
La Plata, MD 20646
Attn: Human Resources

Additional questions about the program or application process should be directed to Captain Robert Kiesel at KieselR@ccso.us.

CONTACT:
Janelle Love
Media Relations Office
301-609-6538 or (301) 848-4799

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) was accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) in 2001 and has since earned the highest rating of Excellence. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit www.ccso.us.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a person responsible for a crime in Charles County. All individuals who provide tips through Crime Solvers will remain anonymous. Anyone with information about an unsolved crime or the location of a fugitive may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app, which can be found in the Android Store and Apple store by searching P3tips. For more information about the P3 program, click on this link: www.p3intel.com. 

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