By SALINA POST
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Salina Police Department, is now accepting applications for the 2024 Citizen's Academy. Applications are open through January 17, and the first 30 participants will be admitted. The 11-week program begins February 19 and will meet every Wednesday evening.
The academy provides a unique opportunity for community members to gain insight into local law enforcement's daily operations and training. Participants will tour the sheriff's office, police department, and training center while learning about crash investigations, DUIs, crime scene investigations, K-9 units, drone operations, and more. Half the class will engage with the force-use simulator, while the other half will participate in mounted patrol sessions alternating weekly.
"They will learn more about what these guys are doing, how they're trained and why they do some of the things they do," Saline County Lieutenant Sean Kochanowski said. "You see things that come up in the news about this happened and that- 'Well, why did we do it that way?' It just gives them that basic knowledge of what their law enforcement officers do and why they do it."
Attendees will also hear from prosecutors, crisis intervention teams, and other law enforcement personnel to better understand the work and challenges faced by officers. The program is free and concludes with a graduation ceremony.
While the academy is geared toward individuals over 21, college students interested in criminal justice are encouraged to apply. Applications are available on the Saline County Sheriff’s Office website, at the sheriff's office, 800 E Pacific Avenue, or at the Salina Police Department, 255 N Tenth Street.