Citizens have another opportunity to get an inside look at operations of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office during the upcoming Citizens Academy beginning Oct. 5 through Nov. 16.
Every Thursday during that time from 9 a.m. to noon will spotlight a different department and citizens will have opportunities to learn and have a hands-on approach to interacting with law enforcement officials.
Lt. Mark Gerrells, training director, said the free academy allows law enforcement officials and community members to build positive relationships with one another. Gerrells said it gives the community a better understanding of law enforcement and how it operates in Rabun County as well as with other counties. Community members can meet the deputies personally to gain a better understanding of what they do.
“There’s a reason behind everything we do,” Gerrells said.
Classes will highlight various departments including K-9 unit; School Resource Deputies (SROs); investigations unit; drug interdiction; traffic enforcement; district attorney’s office; chaplain; coroner; chief deputy; patrol division; detention center where students will get a tour of the facility; civil process; courthouse security; and office of the sheriff, and much more.
Gerrells said academy participants will also go through shoot or don’t shoot interactive scenarios as well.
“We put them in the driver’s seat and give them a first-hand feel of what it’s like to be law enforcement in that position,” Gerrells said.
Gerrells said he is excited about the class and it gives community members the opportunity to “be involved.”
“We are excited once again to offer another free Sheriff’s Citizens Academy to all of our citizens,” said Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols in an interview with The Clayton Tribune earlier this year regarding the event. “The sheriff’s office looks forward to this course each time because we love telling the community how and why we serve them.”
Coffee and refreshments will be served during the class. To register, email Gerrells at Mark.Gerrells@rabuncounty.ga.gov.