The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) and Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) are now accepting applications for the first-ever Spanish Citizens’ Academy.

The Citizens’ Academy will begin on Saturday, March 18, 2017, and will be held every other Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The Academy will be conducted over a four-day period, culminating in a graduation ceremony on Saturday, April 29, 2017. 

The Academy will offer participants a broad overview and unique insight into the various functions of the Sheriff’s Office and the Colorado Springs Police Department.  Applicants will have the opportunity to participate in a tour and a demonstration-based Academy to observe firsthand the variety of duties managed by law enforcement.  Examples include a tour of the Criminal Justice Center, Court House, Evidence Facility, Crime Lab, and the Dispatch Center. 

The tours are an opportunity for citizens to learn about the challenges faced by law enforcement.  Additionally, participants will learn about use of force, traffic laws, and vice and narcotics operations.  The Spanish Citizens’ Academy will also provide reality-based scenarios to give the participants an opportunity to wear the shoes of law enforcement officers.

Those interested in attending the Spanish Citizens’ Academy may download and print an application at https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/sites/default/files/resources/resourc…; You may also contact EPSO Community Relations Deputy Yaritza Trevino at 719-520-7206 or CSPD Community Relations Officer Bernie Bañuelos at 719-444-7410 to request an application. 

There is no charge to attend the Spanish Citizens’ Academy; however, seating will be limited to the first 30 completed applications received.  Applications must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, February 17, 2017.