The Williamson County Sheriffs Citizens Academy is an approximately 20-hour program designed to give the citizens of Williamson County a working knowledge of the Williamson County Sheriff's Office and the criminal justice system as it works in our county.

The primary objective of the academy is to foster community relationships and to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff's Office through education. It is further hoped that the Academy will increase public awareness, dispel suspicions and misconceptions, and increase Sheriff's Office and community rapport. At the same time, the Sheriff's Office becomes aware of the feelings of the community from the participants interaction and input.

The instructors of this academy are the supervisors and deputies who work in the areas being taught and their instructions will give participants insight into the day to day operations of the Sheriff's Office. In return class instructors receive direct feedback from class participants on the effects the Sheriff's Office has on their lives.

The class will be held on Thursday nights for 10 weeks and will begin March 7, 2019. The ending day will be May 9, 2019. Each class will meet at the Deputy A.W. Grimes Training Center located at 8160 Chandler Rd. Hutto, TX. 78634 and begins promptly at 6:30pm and ending at 8:30pm unless otherwise notified. Attendance is limited to a maximum of 3 excused absences.

There may be extracurricular activities that involve some distant walking during the academy. There is a tour of the correctional system on one day during the course, a ride along with a patrol deputy for their shift as an observer, and a chance to participate in hands on training.

The requirements are simple. You must fill out an application and consent to a background check. All applicants must be at least (18) years of age and either reside, or work in Williamson County. Those persons with any Class A misdemeanor conviction or above, or a class B misdemeanor conviction within 10 years of the disposition date, any family violence offense conviction, persons currently on probation, or anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible.

To apply for the Citizens Academy, complete the application (must be received by Friday, February 8, 2019) and hand deliver or mail to:

Those with questions can call 512-943-1964 or email so-comunityevents@wilco.org