Citizens' Academies

The Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy is designed to expose participants to many different aspects of law enforcement, including the day-to-day operation of the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. The program's goal is to ensure interested citizens possess a greater understanding of what is involved in today's policing environment and that we better understand the community we serve.

Participants will hear presentations from the Sheriff, Sheriff’s Detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, K-9 handlers, and other agency partners. They tour the Sheriff’s Office, the Detention Center, and the Magistrate’s Office and see demonstrations of the Sheriff’s K-9 teams, DWI Unit, Dispatch, and SWAT Team.

Structure


The Sheriff's Citizens Academy lasts for ten weeks. Classes are three hours per session, beginning at 6 pm and ending at 9 pm every Tuesday. The location for each class will vary depending on the course material. The Academy coordinator will provide an itinerary to inform students of the location for each class session the week prior.

Qualifications

  1. Complete and sign a Sheriff Citizen Academy application
  2. Be at least 18 years of age or older
  3. Allow a background check, and do not have any prior felony or misdemeanor convictions that question the applicant's moral character.
  4. Be willing to commit to attending a 3-hour class every Tuesday evening from 6 pm to 9 pm for ten weeks.

Registering


The next class will begin Tuesday, September 12, 2023, and end on November 14, 2023. Seats are limited to 24 eligible applicants. 

APPLY HERE!


If you have any questions, please reach out to Cpt. Dixon or call 910-989-4007.

Jr. Citizens' Academy


The Sheriff's Office also offers an annual Jr. Citizens' Academy for young people ages 14 - 17 years old. The academy is designed to foster positive relationships with Onslow County youth and gives participants a hands-on introduction to law enforcement. Many graduates go on to become members of the Sheriff's Explorer program. The Jr. Citizens' Academy is structured much like our adult academy but requires parent or guardian permission. 

The Jr. Citizens' Academy is held every year during the summer. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Cpt. Dixon. You can also look at our Facebook Page for upcoming announcements about future citizen's academies.