Citizens Academy

Experience the Inner Workings of Law Enforcement

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, a comprehensive 12-week course designed to provide citizens with an in-depth understanding of law enforcement operations. This program is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn about the day-to-day activities of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and gain valuable insights into various aspects of policing.

Course Overview

The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy covers a wide range of topics and includes presentations and demonstrations by experienced law enforcement professionals. Participants will have the chance to:

• Learn from the Experts: Hear from Sheriff James Lee Berrong, Sheriff’s detectives, Crime Scene Investigators, Patrol Officers, and Drug Task Force Investigators.
• See Specialized Units in Action: Witness demonstrations by our SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team, K-9 Unit, and CERT (Corrections Emergency Response) team.

Presentations and Demonstrations

Throughout the course, participants will be engaged in various presentations and hands-on activities, including:

• Sheriff’s Detectives: Learn about investigative techniques and how detectives solve complex cases.
• Crime Scene Investigators: Understand the process of collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes.
• Patrol Officers: Gain insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by patrol officers.
• Drug Task Force Investigators: Discover the strategies used to combat drug-related crimes in our community.
• SWAT Team Demonstrations: Observe the tactics and equipment used by our elite Special Weapons and Tactics team.
• K-9 Unit Demonstrations: See our highly trained K-9 officers in action and learn about their crucial role in law enforcement.
• CERT Team Demonstrations: Experience the capabilities of our Corrections Emergency Response team in handling emergencies within correctional facilities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy are to:

• Increase Communication: Enhance communication between the Sheriff’s Office and community members.
• Build Trust and Understanding: Foster trust and mutual understanding between law enforcement and the public.
• Educate and Inform: Provide participants with a thorough understanding of law enforcement operations.
• Community Engagement: Encourage participants to share their knowledge and insights with others in the community.

Participation Details

The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is offered in the spring and is open to all community members who are 18 years of age or older. This program is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about law enforcement and getting involved in community safety.

How to Enroll

If you are interested in enrolling in the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy or would like more information, please contact the Blount County Sheriff’s Office at 865-273-5000. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Join us in this unique and informative program to deepen your understanding of law enforcement and strengthen the bond between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.