Thank you for your interest in the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Law Enforcement Academy. This program is offered free of charge and is held in the Fall and Spring. Instruction is a combination of lecture, question and answer, demonstration, participation and tours. The classes and subjects are very similar to those taught to new deputy sheriffs and police officers.

Examples of subjects covered:

Civil Liability
Jail Procedure & Tour
Constitutional Law
Narcotics Operations & Criminal Investigation
Communications
Patrol Operations & K-9 Operations
Court Procedures
Sheriff’s Office Overview
Crime Prevention Training
Tactical Team Operations
DWI Enforcement & Procedures
Use of Force & Defensive Tactics

Participation in these classes gives students a unique insight into law enforcement, as the Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the State of Minnesota and is charged with enforcing both criminal and civil law. This class is a must for business leaders, political leaders, teachers, community leaders, those who work with law enforcement or interested tax payers who want to know how law enforcement and the criminal justice system work from an insiders’ perspective.

The Sheriff’s Office looks for a representative cross section of the community to participate in this unique educational experience. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years old. Due to the nature of the material presented, all applicants are screened for criminal backgrounds.

A certificate of completion will be awarded at a formal commencement ceremony at the conclusion of the class.

If you are interested in this program, please fill out the application form and return it to the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy Coordinator (see on the right under "Contact"). Questions regarding the program may also be addressed to the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy Coordinator.