Sheriff’s Office opens applications for citizens academy

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office has opened applications for its 2024 Spring Citizen’s Academy, which will be held from February to May.

The academy, which meets once weekly through several months until a field day at the end, is designed to give community members an overview of the operations of the sheriff’s office, according to a release from the department.

Topics and demonstrations include patrol operations, the K9 program, bomb squad and terrorism, major case investigations, crime scene investigation, wildland firefighting, search and rescue and dive rescue, hostage negotiations, dispatch, school resource officers, the mental health co-responder program, the drug task force and jail operations and programs.

These topics will be presented by deputies, commanders and professional staff leaders responsible for each area. A highlight of the event, according to the release, is the field day at the end, during which students will participate in live scenarios including responding to calls involving live shooting with simulated ammunition, making traffic stops, searching buildings and processing a mock crime scene.

The academy begins Feb. 13 and lasts through May 14, and classes will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday nights for 12 total classes.

Spaces are limited and are expected to fill up fast, the release added. All applicants must be 18 years old and a resident or business owner in Larimer County. The academy costs $30, which covers the cost of a student shirt, materials and lunch served on field day.

Those wishing to apply can visit bit.ly/3gn1lf3.