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Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols speaks to citizens at a Rabun County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy earlier this year. The next academy is slated for March 9-April 27 every Thursday from 6-9 p.m.
The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office is offering an opportunity for citizens to get an inside look at operations of the department and a hands-on approach to interacting with law enforcement officials through the Citizens’ Academy.
The free academy is scheduled once a week on Thursdays beginning March 9-April 27 from 6-9 p.m.
Lt. Mark Gerrells said the academy allows law enforcement officials and community members to build positive relationships with one another.
“We are excited once again to offer another free Sheriff’s Citizens Academy to all of our citizens,” said Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols. “The sheriff’s office looks forward to this course each time because we love telling the community how and why we serve them. We try to have two of these classes a year but we also need your help. We need you to participate so you will be a better informed citizen, friend, and ambassador of your sheriff’s office.”
To register, email Gerrells at Mark.Gerrells@rabuncounty.ga.gov or call 706-982-4237. Citizens can also download the free RCSO Smartphone app to register.
“Each night, we’re going to spotlight a different department,” said Gerrells, noting citizens will learn “how we function and why we do what we do.”
Classes will highlight various departments including K-9 unit; investigations division; drug interdiction; traffic enforcement; district attorney’s office; chaplain; coroner; chief deputy; patrol division; detention center; civil process; courthouse security; and office of the sheriff as well as many other functions of the sheriff’s office.
Citizens will get to tour the Rabun County Detention Center and gain an inside look at behind-the-scenes operations as well.
The educational and fun Citizens’ Academy also will teach about different types of traffic stops and how crime scenes are processed. Gerrells said the course provides important tips for citizens to make their homes safer on a daily basis.
Gerrells said the RCSO is pleased to offer the Citizens’ Academy because it allows them to serve the community by being transparent and accountable to citizens with how the department is protecting and serving its community.
“So come on out and let us tell you all about us,” Nichols encouraged the public about the Citizens’ Academy. Refreshments will be provided each night. Visit https://www.rabunsheriff.org/ for more information.