Sheriff’s Citizens Academy

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 36-hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system. This free program includes 12 weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. at the Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail. in San Marcos, directly behind the Government Center. 

The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. The academy will help increase public awareness and increase Sheriff’s Office and community relations and rapport. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction. Topics presented during the Citizens Academy include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations, and more.

Students can connect with instructors and staff, and share their experiences. Our law enforcement officers and students gain a better understanding of the needs, wants, and realities of the criminal justice system and the communities we serve. 

Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us.

Citizens Academy Alumni

The Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association is available to all graduates of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s Citizens Academy. Alumni Association members have access to become members of groups such Community Emergency Response Team (part of Hays County Office of Emergency Services), VIPS, and COPS. Alumni Association members are an extended part of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office family. Meetings are on the third Wednesday of every month.

Junior Deputy Academy

Members of the Sheriff’s Office will introduce the cadets to various functions of law enforcement including patrol, SWAT, crisis negotiation, criminal investigations, crime scene, K9 unit, and community services. Other first responders such as Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services will also be on hand to demonstrate their services and related equipment. Other presentations may be made by the Greater San Marcos Youth Council, Pedernales Electric Cooperative, and Colin’s Hope who present a segment on bullying, electrical safety, and water safety, respectively. The cadets may tour a local fire station and become familiar with the apparatus used by different emergency agencies. When applications are open, we will include the link on this page and on our social media pages.