CLEA
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 allowing them to get involved with their local Sheriff’s Office. Participants meet on Thursday nights for 14 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 allowed 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. We hope 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 14 weeks, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm. All applicants need to be able to commit to attending the 14 sessions of this academy.
Applicants must be residents or business owners 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 Michelle Austin at 678-486-1310 or e-mail maustin@sheriff.douglas.ga.us.
