By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for its Citizens Training Academy and has spaces available.

The training academy is a community-oriented program designed to give people a behind-the-scenes look at the Sheriff’s Office. Participants discuss a variety of topics with law enforcement officials, including home safety, crime prevention, drugs, and incident response.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and be a Rowan County resident. They also must pass a criminal background check.

This round of the academy will begin Sept. 10

Participants will tour the Rowan County Detention Center, Sheriff’s Office and courthouse. They also will get to experience some of the job responsibilities at each facility.

At the end of the program, graduates will have an opportunity to go on a ride-along with a patrol officer and volunteer at the Sheriff’s Office.

All applicants go through a screening process. There is no cost to enroll.

The nine-week sessions meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday beginning Sept. 10 and end with graduation.

Classes are held at the Sheriff’s Office training center, 102 N. Central Ave. in Landis.

For more information and how to sign up, contact Sgt. Jerry Croyle at 704-216-8673.