Buchanan County law enforcement seeking sign-ups for Joint Citizen’s Academy

Buchanan County law enforcement officers are encouraging residents to get an up-close look at the duties of area law enforcement through their citizen’s academy.

The Joint Citizens Law Enforcement Academy will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings for eight weeks starting March 25 through May 20.

Participants will get an in-depth look and better understanding of the different skills and tools used by officers and deputies in their day-to-day operations to make the community safe.

“Some of the goals are just interaction with law enforcement in the community,” said Sgt. Jeremy Peters with the St. Joseph police department. “This will help people know the officers or the deputies that work in this area and people can see some of the technology and investigative techniques that we use.”

Along with engaging in activities, guest speakers and demonstrators for various classes, those who attend will also have the opportunity to do a ride-along with both the SJPD and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office. Officers will also offer a firearms training course for one night at the academy.

“Everybody that I’ve talked to who has attended it in the past has nothing but good things to say about it,” Peters said. “So I encourage anybody that wants to come to check it out, sign up for the class.”

Participants must be at least 18, a Buchanan County citizen or business owner and willing to submit to a background check.

Applications are accepted at form.jotform.com/250125876072052 through March 23.