The Martin County Sheriff's Office has traditionally presented a twelve-week Citizen's Academy to the residents of Martin County twice annually. Participation in the Citizen's Academy affords members of our community the opportunity to acquire a better understanding about the Sheriff's Office and its day-to-day operation. On June 17, 2009, the Community Programs Unit of the Sheriff's Office presented a new one-day version of the Citizen's Academy, immersing participants in eight hours of classroom instruction and hands-on activities.

After a welcome and introduction by Sheriff Robert L. Crowder, topics presented to the 19 participants included crime scene investigation, use of force, sexual offenders/predators, criminal investigations, and SWAT. Participants also wore specially designed goggles that mimic the signs of DUI impairment while they attempted a field sobriety test, attempted to retrieve fingerprints from a jar, completed cast impressions from a shoe, and took part in a computer simulated shooting scenario.

According to Laura Passanesi, Community Programs Practitioner for the Sheriff's Office, "We received feed-back from members of the community that they wanted to participate, but were unable to make a 12-week commitment. This one-day Academy is a great way to promote a better understanding between the Sheriff's Office and the citizens we serve."

The Martin County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy is provided to participants at no charge and the next one-day Academy is scheduled for early fall. For more information regarding the Martin County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy, contact Laura Passanesi at 772 320-4749 or complete the on-line application at www.sheriff.martin.fl.us/Academy.