The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) will host its 34th annual Citizen’s Justice Academy from Feb. 26 through May 21. The 12-week program runs 13 consecutive Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. It is free and open to all residents living in Palm Beach County who would like to learn more about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Local, state and federal law enforcement professionals will provide lectures, tours and demonstrations. The program includes sessions with personnel from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the West Palm Beach Police Department.
The improved program will include cybercrime, homeland security and a demonstration of police body cameras. There will be various opportunities to see high-tech equipment first hand. Tours will be conducted of the Main Detention Center, a courthouse, and the Medical Examiner’s Office. Most of the program consists of lectures with interactive presentations, and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion.
The first month of classes will be held at the West Palm Beach Police Department (600 Banyan Street, West Palm Beach) in the first floor community room. Subsequent classes will be at other locations in the greater West Palm Beach area.
For those who have always been curious about law enforcement and the criminal justice system, the academy provides an opportunity to get involved and learn from experts. The program is sponsored by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners as a free service to all residents.
Registration closes on Friday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. To register, visit www.pbcgov.org/criminaljustice. Because of space limitations, only 50 people will be able to enroll. Call (561) 355-4943 for more info.
