Citizens Academy

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:

Citizen's Academy group photo

• 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

Group in front of RCSD helicopter

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

Citizen's Academy K9 presentation
photo of classroom from citizen's academy
Aviation presentation

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.

In consideration of my application to attend the Citizen's Police Academy, I give the Richland County Sheriff's Department permission to conduct background checks on me, including convictions, pending charges, and outstanding warrants. I understand that this criminal history check is being conducted due to the nature of the classes given at the Citizen's Police Academy. (If no, application will not be processed.)

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.

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