Now Recruiting – 2019 Citizens Academy

Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Citizens Academy. Each spring, the 11-week Citizens Academy is held in an effort to provide improved understanding of the criminal justice system. Participants receive an overview of the criminal justice system including the roles and challenges of law enforcement, attorneys and the courts.

Since the first academy in 2002, there have been 19 graduating academies with a total of more than 1,045 participants. The academy was created to improve communication, foster a better understanding and develop relationships between members of the criminal justice system and our citizens, including those from different ethnic, cultural and faith-based communities. For a class outline, check out the Citizens Academy brochure.

Participant Testimonials

“It’s a wonderful program. We found out about it through Nextdoor. It helps educate you and get you involved. It bridges the gap between the community and law enforcement.” – Sylvia Franklin

“I loved how open everyone was, it was very transparent. We also loved the Sheriff Department ride along and the different tours we got to take.” – Jenny Franklin

“I really enjoyed this program. As a college student, I wanted to be a part of the law enforcement program and I think this program gave me a better understanding of the District Attorney, the Defense Attorney, and law enforcement.” – Zabrina Torres

“The Citizens Academy provided an informative, candid and revealing look at the inner workings of our law enforcement and criminal justice systems. We learned from knowledgeable insiders and were given a unique, behind-the-scenes view of the challenges they face every day. Every class was fascinating.” – Joe Selewicz

Applications for Citizens Academy Must be at least 18 years old to apply. Please complete and return the following forms.

Citizens Academy Application (complete every questions on all 3 pages unless indicated as “optional”)
Ride-Along Form (Optional) – Choose ONE of the following two forms (both applications are two pages). Before completing the application, review the Police Orientation form.

Police Ride-Along Program Application (if you live or work in the city of Sacramento), OR
Sheriff Ride-Along Program Application (if you live or work in the county of Sacramento)

The application deadline is March 8, 2019. Return the completed application and Ride-Along form if applicable by mail, personal delivery, fax or email to:

Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office
Attn: Anna Zepeda
901 G Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

FAX: 916.321.2237
Zepedaa@sacda.org

Please answer every question unless specified as optional. Incomplete applications may result in a delay or rejection of your application. The deadline for submitting applications will not be waived.

Notification of Acceptance
You will be notified by mail and email (if you provide an email address) of your acceptance to the Academy. You will also receive information about your Ride-Along at that time. In the event we are unable to offer you a space at this time, we will notify you by mail.

Attendance Requirement
The Citizens Academy is an accelerated program with a full agenda for each class session. Missing more than two classes will result in a significant gap in the education process.
Participants absent more than two days will not receive a graduation certificate.