The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) will host its 36th Citizen’s Justice Academy from Sept. 24 through Dec.17.
The 10-week program runs 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, the West Palm Beach Police Department and the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department.
The CJC is proud to announce an expanded collaboration with the West Palm Beach Police Department. Chief Sarah Mooney and department personnel are conducting the academy’s first five meetings that will focus on law enforcement in West Palm Beach.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his staff are also committed to educating citizens and providing them with knowledge to be informed members of the community. An added feature is a training session with Palm Beach Gardens police in a simulated training exercise, “Shoot Don’t Shoot.”
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 Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. For more information, or to register, visit www.pbcgov.org/criminaljustice. Because of space limitations, registration will be limited.
Call (561) 355-4943 for more information.
