Oconee Citizens Police Academy

In every day life, you see a police officer. And many of us have wondered what it would be like to be one. Oconee Sheriff’s Office will give members of the public a chance to experience a day in an officer’s life through a program called “Citizens Police Academy.” Oconeeans may sign up for classes at the website www.oconeelaw.com by clicking on the “Citizens Police Academy” link. “This is an opportunity for residents to come in and be educated by the Sheriff’s Office instructors in the type of training that law enforcement officers are involved in,” said Sgt. Mike McGowan, who is heading up the program. Those selected will have a chance to meet the Command Staff and many of the deputies of the Sheriff’s Office. Some of the topics covered will be patrol operations, equipment and its uses, criminal investigations, E-911 communications, and SWAT team operations. A selection process is required for those who sign up, which includes a background check. Classes will meet for 10 straight weeks on Tuesday evenings with one Saturday meeting for the SWAT demonstration. There is no cost to take the classes.