The mission of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department Citizen Police Academy Program is to educate and inform the community; to provide a forum for police - community interaction; to identify community problems, needs and concerns; and to foster a partnership with the community that will solve problems and work toward creating a safer environment.
The Citizen Police Academy is a 12-week program designed to give citizens an overview of our department's structure, services and personnel.
The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional law enforcement academy, but weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a police officer.
Each week participants have a qualified instructor explain how each division of the Richland County Sheriff's Department operates including:
• Uniform Patrol Division
• Investigations
• Narcotics Enforcement
• Gang Unit
• Special Response Team
• Physical Evidence/Crime Lab
• Canine Unit
• School Resource Officers
• Professional Standards
• Youth Crimes
• Victim's Assistance
• Training Division
• Aviation
• Youth Arbitration
• Crossfit/Physical Fitness
• Reserve Deputy Program
• Dive Unit/Marine Patrol
During the program duration, classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m., to 8 p.m.
Participant Requirements:
No misdemeanor arrests within 1 year of application
• No felony convictions
• Must be 18 or older
If you are interested in participating in the RCSD Citizens' Academy, you may apply by calling Community Action Team by filling out the form below. You must agree to our terms and conditions in order to participate in the Citizens Academy. If you have questions, you may contact Dep. Thomas Browne.
Citizens Academy Alumni Association
After completion of the Richland County Sheriff's Departments Citizens' Academy, graduates are invited to join the departments Citizens' Academy Alumni Association.
Our Mission: "To improve the quality of life of the citizens of Richland County by maintaining high quality of professional ethics, always reporting to Law Enforcement any acts of criminal behavior in our community. Our Mission will be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of the Richland County Sheriff's Department and our community, always representing the RCSD in high standards through integrity and professional behavior, and our efforts and goals should always be toward improving and giving back to our community."
To apply for the Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association, apply online here.
Already a member? Click here to obtain the garment application form.