Sheriff’s office announces Citizen’s Academy

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The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) recently announced it will hold its Citizen Academy this spring.

The ACSO’s mission is to protect and serve the citizens of our county through innovative hard work and community partnership. 

The Citizen’s Academy is designed to provide an overview of this commitment and have an open dialog with community members. 

The academy will start on April 1 and conclude on May 20. The classes will meet on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at the ACSO Emergency Operation Command facility located at 777 County Road 600.

After kicking off with an introduction by Sheriff Mike Le Roux and his command staff, the topics presented during the academy will include:

• Statutory obligations of the sheriff.

• Patrol operations.

• Use of force and firearms.

• Animal control.

• Detention operations and programs.

• Courts and extraditions.

• Criminal case investigations/crime scene investigations.

• The Office of Emergency Management.

• Wildland firefighting.

• Search and rescue.

• Dispatch and public records.

• School resource officer.

“We want people to know that the whole point of this is for them to understand what we really do on a daily basis,” Deputy Michael Dominguez said, noting that people sometimes have a skewed view of what sheriff’s offices do due to things like TV.

It’s not all responding to crimes, he explained, adding the ACSO is also part of civil issues, neighborhood projects, is involved with the community, and is a source for education for both kids through its school resource officer and adults.

The academy, he indicated, will also help the community and staff get to know each other as people and to let the community know the sheriff’s office is here for them.

“That’s the whole point of our existence,” he said.

There will also be a special training where students will have the opportunity to experience scenario-based training using the technology to simulate a law enforcement incident.

The academy’s capacity is limited to 15. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident or business owner in Archuleta County. The fee for the academy is $20, which covers the cost of materials, and lunch served on field day.

The applicant must be 18 years of age. Any incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered and will be disqualified. 

Applications must be received by March 24. Seats are limited to 15 individuals; you will be notified by March 27 if you have been selected.

The application can be obtained at the ACSO front desk.

For questions, contact Dominguez at (970) 264-8426 or mdominguez@archuletacounty.org.