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Congratulations to our CLEA class of 2017! We would like to thank everyone who signed up for and attended class for the past 12 weeks. We would also like to thank Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Dr. Ramona Jackson-Jones for coming to speak to the graduates.
Our Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy is an important part of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. This program gives our residents a first-hand look at how, and why, we do what we do. We cover a wide and varied array of topics during the twelve weeks including, but not limited to:
- Orientation / Training for Law Enforcement & Corrections
- Jail Operations & Tour
- Criminal Law / Ethics & Professionalism
- Search & Seizure / Liability
- Domestic Violence / Child Abuse
- Gangs / S.R.O. / M.A.C.E. / Internet Crimes
- Use of Force / Firearms Training
- Communications / Patrol Operations
- E.R.T. / K-9 Functions
- Undercover Operations / Crime Scenes and Evidence
- Ride with a Deputy on Patrol
Many of our graduates have said that this program has given them a new insight and respect for law enforcement, and they would absolutely recommend everyone go through the academy.
More About the Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy
In August of 1999, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office implemented an exciting and different Law Enforcement Academy…the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA).
Our CLEA program is based on a similar program that began in 1977 in the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary of England. Its purpose is to provide training and education to our citizens, while giving them an opportunity to get involved with their local Sheriff’s Office. Participants meet Thursday nights for 12 weeks. Each session focuses on a different area of our operation, such as jail operations, administration, recruiting, patrol operations, communications, investigations, vice and narcotics, youth and safety programs, traffic and criminal laws. In addition to classroom training, CLEA students are also given the opportunity to participate in a series of practical exercises.
The curriculum and training are not what you would expect. Our goal is not to teach the student how to become a law enforcement officer, but rather to give students some insight into the duties and responsibilities of our deputies. While graduates of the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy are not prepared for daily street duty, they do acquire a better understanding of our daily operations and the challenges that confront our deputies. Our hope is that the student leaves with a better understanding of the complex nature of our work, enforcing the law.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office understands that community involvement is one of the most powerful tools any law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime. Through CLEA, citizens can help us keep Douglas County safe and a great place to live and work. Best of all, CLEA graduates become “goodwill ambassadors” for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Classes are held on Thursday nights for 12 weeks, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. All applicants need to be able to commit to attending the twelve sessions of this academy.
Applicants must be a resident or business owner in Douglas County. You must be at least 21 years of age, and give consent for a background check as part of the application process. There is no fee for this class.
If you or someone you know would like to attend the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy, please contact Tina Brownlow at 770-920-4940 or via e-mail at tbrownlow@sheriff.douglas.ga.us or fill out the online application.