Ever wonder how sheriff’s office works?

The Roane County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for an upcoming citizens academy. Participants will meet every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. April 4 through May 30. Topics include drug investigations, patrol, corrections and the judicial system.

A graduation ceremony for participants will be held.  

Lt. Rick Baker decribed the academy as a condensed version of what people go through when they’re training to become police officers.

“One night we’re going to take them to the firing range and let them fire a weapon,” Baker said. “We’re going to take them to a driving area and place them in the car with us. We’re going to set up mock crime scenes and let them solve it.”

Participants will also have the option of going on a ride-along with an officer.

“They will get an overview of what officers go through in the academy, and what our officers have to deal with day-to-day,” Baker said.

There is no charge to participate in the citizens academy.

People interested in attending should contact Baker at 376-5582 or sheriff’s assistant Beth Sams at 717-4748.  

“We’ll be happy to get their info and sign them up,” Baker said.