The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is extending an invitation to the community with a free Citizen’s Academy scheduled for March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This initiative aims to provide residents with an in-depth understanding of the office’s operations and foster greater transparency between law enforcement and the public. 

Participants can expect to delve into various aspects of law enforcement, including patrols, investigations, narcotics, corrections, court procedures, school resource programs and the special victim’s unit. According to Mike Swafford, the public information officer for the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the academy serves as an opportunity to showcase the “what, how, and why” behind the office’s actions. 

“(The course) is a way to bring people in and let them understand what we do, how we do it and why we do it,” Swafford said. “It also gives people a deep dive into how the sheriff’s office is funded and where the funding goes.” 

The March 13 session will serve as the basic course, offering foundational knowledge. Additionally, an advanced course is in the works, although specific dates have yet to be finalized. Graduates of the academy will have the opportunity to contribute further by volunteering with jail operations at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. 

Applications for the Citizen’s Academy can be found through the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, website or via the link: bit.ly/MSCOAcademyRegistration.