Citizen's Academy

The Citizen Academy is a free, 24-hour block of instruction, sponsored by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, designed to give citizens knowledge about how your Sheriff's Office operates, our policies, procedures, programs, and challenges. In addition, you will be introduced to the Sheriff's staff and learn about their responsibilities and enforcement efforts, and trends in law enforcement.

Participants in each session will be asked to commit to meeting a minimum of 3 hours, 1 night a week for 9 weeks. Participants must attend 7 of the 9 classes to graduate. This is a great opportunity to meet your police officers, fellow citizens, and other members of the law enforcement profession to learn why we do what we do and how we accomplish it.

At graduation, you will receive a certificate and become eligible to become a member of the JPSO Citizen's Academy Alumni Association.

Classes will be held at our Training Academy complex located in Harvey and at various other facilities.

Who May Attend?

Citizens at least 21 years of age, with no serious criminal history, and who live in the Parish of Jefferson are encouraged to attend. Civic and business leaders, Neighborhood Watch, and those interested in making our community a better place to live are encouraged to apply.

Why Should I Attend?

We believe informed citizens will enhance public safety, make informed decisions about how to protect themselves and their businesses, understand law enforcement strategies to problem solving, and truly understand and appreciate the importance the law enforcement-public partnership.

We hope the graduates of the Academy will take their new knowledge out into the community, educate others when the opportunity arises and make decisions, which affect the Sheriff's Office and Jefferson Parish as a whole.

We also hope that this program will ultimately assist in the reduction of crime through deeper support of the Sheriff's Office. This added support and confidence will result in a commitment by the community to report crime, report suspicious activity, comply with security measures, and maintain involvement in neighborhood groups.