The Clay County Sheriff’s Office provides a unique opportunity for residents to get a behind-the-scenes look into their daily operations through the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy. Excelsior Citizen co-founder Jason Cole took part in the nine-week, 30-hour course that is typically conducted twice each year, in order to more effectively report on events in our community. Sarah Boyd, communications director for the Sheriff’s Office said, “the free program aims to increase rapport with the public through education, helping to dispel misinformation and giving participants a greater understanding of why we do what we do.”
The course covers a wide range of topics from history, a thorough breakdown of each department within the Sheriff’s Office, demonstrations by various units, as well as tours of facilities, and a scheduled ride-along with a sheriff’s deputy. Topics covered during the 9-week course included: K-9 Unit, CSI, Patrol Tactics, 911 Communications, Crisis Intervention, Detention Operations, Lake Patrol, Drone Operations, Use of Force, Traffic Safety/DUI, Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team, Emergency Management, Criminal Investigations, Media and Public Relations, Prosecution, and more.






















According to the Sheriff’s website, participants must be at least 17 years of age and live or work in Clay County. Applicants will be screened for acceptability and are subject to a criminal records check. The class size is limited to approximately 20 participants. Applicants will be notified in writing once accepted into the program within two weeks of the start date
Applications to participate can be submitted digitally and are also available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office lobby, 12 S. Water St., Liberty, MO 64068.




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