Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy, a program instituted by Sheriff Richard Roundtree, is designed to educate Richmond County residents about the Sheriff's Office and how deputies enforce local and state laws. The goal of the CPA is to create and develop a growing nucleus of responsible, well informed residents, who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning law enforcement practices and the delivery of services.

The 12-week program for Richmond County residents is taught by certified Richmond County Sheriff’s Instructors. Participants are involved in actual training sessions to get a broader understanding of the police function. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes and participants meet once a week on a designated evening. Participants must pass a criminal history background check and fill out an application to the Academy. Patricipation in this program is voluntary and is not affiliated with employment opportunities. For employment opportunities click here.

Graduates of the CPA play a vital role in the community by improving communication between the public and law enforcement and by providing local input and support throughout the county.

CPA attendees are made aware of the procedures and techniques used by deputies in a variety of scenarios, together with the rationale and justification in support of those procedures or techniques. Class attendees receive information and instruction on such issues as use of force, defensive tactics, narcotics enforcement, special operations, criminal investigations, crime lab and evidence gathering techniques, demonstrations by K-9 Unit and much more. All of this is enhanced by their opportunity to ride along with deputy and get a hands-on, real-life feeling of law enforcement and what the Sheriff's Office does.

The CPA is open to all Richmond County residents, 18 or older, who successfully pass the application process and a driver's and criminal history check. The program is free of charge with the only expense being the cost of an academy t-shirt.

Residents interested in participating in the CPA must fill out and mail an application. For more information, please contact the RCSO’s Community Services Division at 706-261-0436.

Click here for an application and email to CommunityServicesDivision@augustaga.gov