Citizens Academy

The Desoto County Sheriff's Department is proud to present the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA). The CLEA has been developed to further the department's goal of expanding the Community Oriented Policing philosophy throughout the department and the community. In doing so, it is important to foster interaction and cooperation between the department and the citizens it serves. One way of accomplishing this goal is through an exchange of ideas and education.

The Citizens Law Enforcement Academy is designed to educate the citizens of Desoto County on the Mission, Vision, and Values of the department as well as policies, procedures, and day-to-day operations. The CLEA provides the participants with a unique inside look at the Desoto County Sheriff's Department and presents an opportunity to increase the understanding of the department. By highlighting the role, capabilities, and limitations of the department, this course helps to increase the level of trust, respect, and sense of understanding and awareness between the department and the community we serve.

Topics

The Citizens Academy is structured to provide information on a variety of topics in enjoyable and interesting ways. Some of the topics that will be covered are: 

  • Communications
  • Internal Affairs
  • Investigations
  • Justice System
  • Juvenile Law
  • K-9 Program
  • Motors
  • Narcotics
  • Officer Safety
  • Patrol Operations
  • Records
  • SWAT
  • Traffic
  • Training

There will also be opportunities for ride-a-longs with Deputies and sit-a-longs with dispatchers.

Instructors

Both sworn and non-sworn personnel of the Sheriff's department teach the Citizen Academy classes. Each instructor has years of experience in his or her respective fields. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the Sheriff as well as the command staff of the department, ask questions, discuss issues, and do some of the things that Desoto County Sheriff's Deputies do as part of their jobs.

Participant Requirements

The Citizens Law Enforcement Academy is a fun and exciting educational opportunity. All participants must be at least 21 years old, live in Desoto County, and have no felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions in the past three years.

Application

Applications and schedules can be obtained by coming to the Sheriff's Department at 3091 Industrial Dr. W Hernando, MS 38632. 

You may also download the Citizen Academy Application (PDF).