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

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 22nd Annual Citizens Academy. This is the second year the program is being offered virtually.

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 21 graduating classes with approximately 1,190 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 10-week course is held Tuesday evenings starting April 5, 2022 to June 14, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.

 The deadline for submitting applications is March 22, 2022

 Application Forms:   sacda.org – on the Homepage and under the “Community Relations” tab

Program Contact:  Kristy Lao at 916.874.5251, LaoK@sacda.org.

**********************************************************************************************************************

Tentative 2022 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

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

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

Week 9:          Community Focus and Gangs in Our Community

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

 

image_pdfPrint as PDFimage_printPrint