Citizens Academy offers insight into CCSO

If you’ve ever wondered what the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office does, now’s your chance as it is hosting its Citizens Academy for the second year running.

The CCSO’s Citizens Academy begins Thursday, April 3. The free eight-week-long course will have one class each Thursday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Class locations depend on the topic discussed. Some places will include the West Side Community Complex, Whites Park and the CCSO Marine Division Headquarters.

“The Citizens Academy is designed to give participants an inside look at the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, helping them better understand what we do and why,” CCSO Deputy Santiago “Turbo” Turrubiate, Jr., said.

Participants will gain insight into the many aspects of law enforcement operations.

Curriculum includes 911 operations, patrol procedures, criminal investigations and crime scenes, special response team operations, weapons familiarization, K-9 policing and drug interdiction, and narcotics enforcement and investigations.

During the K-9 course, attendees will have the opportunity to watch a K-9 in action through various demonstrations of skills and capabilities.

The course will be led by various members and teams within CCSO, each specializing in various skills.

The academy aims to foster positive relationships between deputies and the community, promoting trust and cooperation, crime prevention and reduction, improved public safety, community support for policing efforts, better conflict resolution, encouraging youth engagement, and transparency and accountability for deputies.

“Establishing strong relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the community is essential for creating a safer, more unified and resilient county,” Turrubiate said. “When law enforcement and residents work together, it enhances trust, strengthens crime prevention efforts and ultimately improves the overall quality of life in Chambers County.”

The deadline to apply is March 17. If interested in attending, applications are available at https://ccso.chamberstx.org/ or by emailing ccsoedu@chamberstx.gov. Applicants must be 18 or older and are subject to a background check.

For questions, contact the CCSO Community Engagement Team by calling 409-267-2512 or emailing ccsoedu@chamberstx.gov.