The Citizens’ Academy offers participants a broad overview and unique insight into the various functions of the Sheriff’s Office.  Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a ride-along with deputies to observe first-hand the variety of calls handled by the Sheriff’s Office.  A tour of the Criminal Justice Center will be conducted to demonstrate the challenges facing our detention staff.  Topics of discussion will include the intricacies of a criminal investigation as detectives take them through the investigative process.  Additionally, participants will learn about use of force, vice and narcotics operations, and emergency services, which includes our Wildland Fire and Search & Rescue teams. The tours are an opportunity for citizens to learn about the challenges faced by law enforcement.

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for the 2023 Fall Citizens' Academy.

The 2023 Fall Citizens' Academy will begin on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The Academy will be conducted over four weeks, two days a week, culminating in a graduation ceremony on Thursday, September 28th.

There is no charge to attend the Citizens' Academy; however, applicants must pass a standard background check, and seating will be limited to the first 40 completed applications received.