(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) is inviting members of the community to join its Citizens’ Academy that begins in April.

The Citizens’ Academy provides an opportunity for community members to go to the Sheriff’s Office and learn about their work, what they do for our community, and how deputies accomplish their goals. The spring academy offers a five-week course through the month of April and into May, two days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The course gives attendees a chance to learn what it’s like to be a deputy, what responsibilities they have, and how they go about the demanding task of protecting our community.

“You can get a lot of those questions answered as far as what you think we do versus what we actually do,” said Sergeant Kurt Smith with EPSO. “And we’ll let you know why we do certain things. And then we culminate that five weeks with scenario-based training.”

Attendees can visit the El Paso County Jail, go on a ride-along with a deputy, and observe first-hand the variety of calls handled by the Sheriff’s Office. Simulations and mock scenarios will give students the opportunity to experience investigations, patrol functions, courthouse proceedings, wildland fire response, training, and more. Participation in simulations is voluntary.

Those interested in signing up can head to the Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy website to download the application. The class is offered at no cost, tough attendance will be limited to 40. The deadline to sign up is March 7.

The Citizens’ Academy is offered in-person only, there is no option to attend virtually.