The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) will host its 47th Citizen’s Criminal Justice Academy from Oct. 7 through Dec. 9. The eight-week program runs 10 consecutive Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m., with exceptions for federal holidays. 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 and demonstrations. The program includes sessions with personnel from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies. Certificates of completion are provided at the end of the session.
The CJC’s winning formula includes providing topical information to the public in a relaxed, down-to-earth setting, where one-on-one engagement is the norm. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his staff are also committed to educating citizens and providing them with knowledge to be informed members of the community. The Riviera Beach Police Department and others will also participate.
The program will include cybercrime, homeland security and a demonstration of police body cameras, juvenile justice, targeted violence and more. There will be various opportunities to see high-tech equipment firsthand. Most of the program consists of lectures with interactive presentations, and there will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion. Among the highlights are tours of many specialized criminal justice facilities.
The classes are held at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at 3228 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach in the first floor Community Room near the main entrance. Dinner will be served.
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. Community service hours are offered, and participation from students over the age of 14 is encouraged.
Registration closes Friday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. For more information and registration, visit www.pbc.gov/criminaljustice. Because of space limitations, only 50 people will be able to enroll. Call (561) 355-2332 for more information.
