The Highlands County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy is held once per year. Meeting once a week for eight weeks, participants in the Academy get an up-close and hands-on look at what the Sheriff's Office does every day. 

From administrative functions, to patrol duties to what it's like inside the jail, Citizen's Academy students get a taste of everything. They get to conduct simulated traffic stops, arrests and searches; see what it's like to respond to an "active shooter" and get to taste what the inmates eat. The Academy closes at the HCSO's shooting range, where they get to live fire weapons, see K-9 and Taser demonstrations.

The Citizen's Academy is an eye-opening learning experience, and is open to anyone. Class size is limited, though, so watch on social media for a call for registrations.