The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) is accepting applicants for its 25th annual Citizens Justice Academy. The 11-week program begins on Monday, Sept. 30 and continues each Monday through Dec. 16, with the exception of Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Each three-hour program begins at 6 p.m.
This program is open to residents living in Palm Beach County who wish to learn more about the criminal justice system. The program is free. For its 25th year, the CJC is proud to announce a greater collaboration with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his staff are committed to educating citizens and providing them with the knowledge to be informed constituents. This improved curriculum includes cyber crime and homeland security.
Participants will be able to go inside a police car and see how the equipment operates. In addition, there will be K-9, SWAT and aviation demonstrations, a presentation by the PBSO Bomb Disposal Unit and information on firearm safety.
Participants can expect to learn about local law enforcement, including the sheriff’s special operations. Citizens will tour the juvenile detention center, the main courthouse and the medical examiner’s office. Most of the program is classroom-style lectures with interactive presenters and plenty of opportunities for questions and answers. Lectures will be provided by local, state and federal law enforcement officials.
The first month of classes will be held at the West Palm Beach Police Department, 600 Banyan St., in the first-floor community room. After that, classes will move to other locations in the county but remain in the greater West Palm Beach area. Class size is limited to the first 50 enrollees.
Curious about the criminal justice system? This is a chance to learn from the experts. This program is sponsored by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners as a public service.
For additional information, or to register, visit www.pbcgov.org/criminaljustice. Registration closes on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. Call (561) 355-4943 with questions regarding registration or classes.
