The Jones County Sheriff's Department is now taking applications for its inaugural 2024 Citizens Academy. Designed to acquaint community residents who are not sworn police officers with the activities of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, the six week program is open to Jones County residents age 21 and older.

 

"This is an effort by the Jones County Sheriff's Department to engage with our residents, make them aware of how law enforcement operates, and meet JCSD law enforcement personnel," notes Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin.

 

"The JCSD Citizens Academy will meet on six consecutive Monday nights from 6:00pm until 9:00pm beginning on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Jones County Sheriff's Department Training Center located at 130 North 12th Avenue in Laurel," notes JCSD Training Director Eddy Ingram.

 

Ingram adds, "Participants will learn about the history of law enforcement, department organization, and duties, and responsibilities of various JCSD divisions including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Corrections, and Administration. In addition, topics such as constitutional law, the use of force continuum, crime scene investigations, illegal narcotics laws, and K-9 usage, among others, will be covered.

 

Jones County residents over the age of 21 who are interested in participating in the Citizens Academy may pick up an application at the Jones County Sheriff's Department located at 419 Yates Avenue in Laurel from 8:00am until 4:00pm on Monday through Friday.  Residents may also call 601-422-5912 to get an application emailed. The JCSD Citizens Academy is limited to the first 25 residents who apply. There is no charge for residents to attend.