LCSO hosts two Citizen Academies each year - Spring and Fall. Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. once a week. Classes will not be held the week of Spring Break, Thanksgiving, or other major holidays that fall on a regular class day. 

The academy is designed to give community members an overview of the operations of LCSO. Topics and demonstrations include patrol operations, K9, bomb squad/terrorism, major case investigations, crime scene investigation, wildland firefighting/search and rescue/dive rescue, SWAT and hostage negotiations, school resource officers, co-responders, drug task force, dispatch, jail, and an introduction to the Sheriff and his command staff. The topics are presented by deputies, professional staff, and commanders responsible for each area.

One of the highlights of the academy is field day, during which you will participate in live scenarios. The scenarios include responding to calls involving live shooting with simulated ammunition, making traffic stops, building searches, and processing a mock crime scene. The academy fills up fast and the class size is limited. The fee for the academy is $35 dollars which covers the cost of the student tee-shirt, materials, and lunch served on the Saturday field day.

• Applicants must be a resident or business owner in Larimer County, at least 18 years old, have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions within the last three years.
• The Sheriff or his designee may reject any applicant due to criminal history, law enforcement or jail contacts, and/or indications an applicant may be disruptive to the class.
• A copy of your driver's license and $35 registration fee (check or cash only) must be submitted, via mail or in person, at the same time you apply. Make checks out to Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
• After completing the online application and providing a copy of your driver’s license and registration fee, a criminal records check will be completed by LCSO staff. You will then be contacted and informed of your enrollment status in the academy.
• If you are not accepted, your registration payment will be refunded.

Questions may be directed to Barbara Bennett at bennetbe@larimer.org or 970-498-5146.