By RYAN SKAITH
The St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office have announced an upcoming eight-week academy running from March 31st through May 26th.
This program is designed to be both informative and engaging, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day operations within local law enforcement agencies.
Classes will be held every Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to approximately 9:00 pm at the Law Enforcement Center, located at 501 Faraon, unless otherwise specified. Each session will be led by certified Law Enforcement Officers from both the City and County departments, offering a look at how teams serve the community.
It was noted that this is not a candidate school for aspiring officers. Instead, it is a community outreach program intended to provide a hands-on experience of departmental operations. Active discussion and mutual learning is encouraged, but this program is not a forum for debating personal grievances or previous enforcement contacts.
Due to the interactive nature of the academy, class size is limited to 30 participants. Law enforcement is requesting that only those who can commit to the full eight-week schedule apply. To graduate, participants must attend at least six of the nine scheduled sessions.
Requirements for applicants:
- Must be a resident of Buchanan County.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must undergo a standard background investigation.
Reasons for not being accepted may include (but are not limited to); Any felony arrest or conviction, any misdemeanor arrest or conviction within the last year, and arrests related to drugs, domestic violence, or other violent acts.
Only the first thirty qualified candidates will be selected.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be honored at a graduation ceremony and presented with a diploma by Chief of Police Paul Luster and Sheriff Bill Puett.
Registration is available here.