OUR MISSION:
"To make a positive difference for members of our  community  by seeking and finding ways to  affirmatively promote, preserve and deliver security,   safety  and quality service."



Columbia County Sheriff Walt Hessler is pleased to announce the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy for 2010.  The Citizen's Academy will provide an excellent educational opportunity for citizens of Columbia County and the surrounding area.  Through the Citizen's Academy, participants will gain a first-hand understanding of how the Columbia County Sheriff's Office conducts its law enforcement operations and how citizens can increase the effectiveness of law enforcement within the community.  Sheriff Hessler recognizes that citizens are a crucial component in effective policing, and is offering the Citizen's Academy as a way for them to gain first hand knowledge.  The program will also give participants a greater understanding of local law enforcement's role as “keepers of the peace” and a chance to bring the information back to their neighborhood.

Based on other successful citizen's academies across Washington State, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy is a 34-hour training program that combines classroom and “hands-on” instruction.  The classes will give citizens an opportunity to observe the inner workings of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.  Students will learn about various types of law enforcement equipment, have the opportunity to ride along with a deputy on patrol, and interact with trainers who are among the best in the region.  Sheriff's Office personnel will explain and demonstrate the duties and responsibilities of their jobs.  Participants will tour the Sheriff's Office, the Columbia County Jail, the 9-1-1 Communications Center and other criminal justice facilities as part of the academy.  The academy is based on a collaborative approach; questions and comments are encouraged throughout.  Emphasized throughout the academy will be the opportunity for citizens, the community and the Sheriff's Office to develop partnerships that foster effective policing.  

Scheduled topics in the academy will include the 9-1-1 public education program, patrol procedures, public information disclosure laws, criminal law, court procedures, use of force and deadly force, criminal investigations, traffic accident investigations, narcotics and alcohol enforcement, sex offender information, communications, National Night Out, Emergency Management, juvenile justice, domestic violence, the Reserve Deputy Program and Search and Rescue.

The 2010 Citizen's Academy runs February through June, 2010.  Classes are held every Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The classes will be limited to a maximum of 20 people.  The previous two classes have been in high demand, and this one is expected to fill up quickly.  Since this is the only academy class that will be offered in 2010, interested persons are encouraged to apply as soon as possible in order to insure a spot.  

To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years of age, and have no felony convictions.  Additional information, brochures and applications to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy can be obtained at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, located in the Courthouse at 341 East Main Street, or by contacting Academy Coordinator Tim Quigg through the Sheriff's Office at 509-382-1100.  

(Some pictures from past Citizen's Academy classes)

All photos by Academy Photographer Liz Quigg