The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office is now accepting applications for its next Citizens Sheriff Academy, which starts March 3.

Each week, students will learn about different aspects of law enforcement to include: laws of arrest, patrol techniques, domestic violence and crisis intervention, firearms safety, crime scene management, and traffic enforcement. Students will be given many opportunities for hands-on learning both in and outside of the actual classroom. The academy is a program that aims to educate Rockdale County residents about the inner workings of Sheriff's Office as well as offer class participants some practical experience with many of the different tools, equipment and weapons that are used by deputies. Citizens will also learn about the different use of force options and how law enforcement officers must make split second decisions on using many different levels of force (i.e., Taser, Firearm, etc.)

"If a citizen is interested in understanding the workings of the Sheriff's Office I encourage them to participate in this academy," said Sheriff Eric Levett. "The academy allows people to have a better understanding of what the deputies must endure on a daily basis. The academy is free and a great way to get to know and interact with the deputies of this great county."

Throughout the 12 week academy citizens will learn the different functions of the various bureaus at the RCSO. The Sheriff's Citizens Academy is not limited to just the classroom but offers more hands on training and exercise participation, which will include Taser and firearms training, a mock crime scene, and a criminal trial.

The Sheriff's Citizens Academy will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday beginning March 3. There is no cost to participate, but participants must be 18 years of age or older and be residents of Rockdale County. The Sheriff's Citizens Academy space is limited to 25 people. Applications must be completed and turned in no later than Friday, February 27.

Anyone interested can pick up an application at the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, download a copy from the Rockdale Sheriff website (www.Rockdalesheriff.com) or by emailing Brian.Reents@rockdalecounty.org. Applications can be hand delivered to the RCSO or mailed to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office to the attention of Investigator Reents at 911 Chambers Drive, Conyers GA 30012.