The citizen's academy is a 13-week program for developing a partnership between the community and police. This partnership creates a working relationship essential to solving crime problems and quality of life issues within communities. Interested citizens learn about the King County Sheriff's Office policies, procedures and officer responsibilities. The goal of the citizen's academy is to educate a diverse representation of community members and facilitate a community network of systems approach to address security and quality of life concerns.
Citizens develop an appreciation and understanding of problems police encounter in their community.
Precinct Two conducted one academy in 1994, Precinct Three has conducted six since 1993 and Precint Four conducted seven since 1994. Citizen's Academies were designed to build partnerships between citizens and their police department through education. Graduates of the program gain a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today's complex society. Each of these Citizen's Academies is coordinated by the officers and staff in the local precinct. Drug Enforcement class during the SW Precinct Citizen's Academy in the spring of 1997.