Recruiting 2020 Citizens Academy Class

Learn about the criminal justice system ~ Discuss issues related to race relations, gang & hate crimes and sensitive current events ~ Engage in open discussions with top administrators ~ Tour the County Jail, Juvenile Hall and Communication Center ~
                                                       See a canine and Taser demonstration

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento County Probation Department are proud to announce the 21st Citizens Academy.

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.  Since the start of the academy in 2002, there have been 20 graduating classes with 1,100 participants.

The program provides an overview of the criminal justice system (law enforcement roles, responsibilities and challenges) and engages citizens from all backgrounds in discussion, participation and mutual learning about issues within the criminal justice system.  Topics include a panel discussion on sensitive current events and “outside the box” approaches to the justice system.

Representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Probation Department, Public Defender’s Office, law enforcement, the judiciary, and community organizations will provide information, answer questions and address community concerns.

There is NO cost to participants.  The 11-week course is held Tuesday evenings starting April 7, 2020 to June 16, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Police Department headquarters (5770 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 13, 2020

Application Forms: At www.sacda.org on the homepage

Program Contact:

Anna Zepeda at 916.874.5251, Zepedaa@sacda.org, 901 G Street ~ Sacramento CA 95814 or Fax 916.321.2237


Tentative 2020 Class Schedule & Topics: 

Week 1:  Introduction to Law Enforcement Agencies in Our Community

Week 2:  The Role of the District Attorney: Anatomy of a Prosecution & Special Challenges for California Prosecutors

Week 3:  “Can We Talk” – Understanding Use of Force

Week 4:  Seek Justice. Serve Justice. Do Justice.  Discussion of Sensitive Current Events

Week 5:  “The Big Picture” – The Hypothetical Case: Anatomy of a Criminal Case from Offense, Investigation, Trial, Sentencing

Field Trip:  Sacramento Police Department’s Communications Center

Week 6:  CSI Today –  On Scene Investigations, Crime Lab Analysis, Cyber Crimes

Week 7:  Specialized Areas of Prosecution – Victim/Witness, Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, Juvenile Prosecution

Field Trip:  District Attorney’s Office, County Jail, Courts & Public Defender’s Office

Week 8:  Federal Criminal Justice System/New Laws & Initiatives

Field Trip:  Juvenile Hall

Week 9:  Gangs in Our Community

Week 10:  Outside the Box” Approach to the Justice System – Human Trafficking, Collaborative Courts, Prevention & Intervention Programs

Week 11: From Rhetoric to Reality – Where Do We Go From Here?”  Building Bridges & Partnerships: Community Policing, Community Participation

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