25 Residents Graduate From Sheriff Department’s Citizen Academy

Twenty-five people from all walks of life got the rare opportunity to get an inside look at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

On Saturday, they received a certificate for their participation in the Citizen Academy’s eight week program.

During that time, the residents learned about responding to an active shooter, handcuffing a suspect, working with the K-9 unit and how to fire a weapon.

Senior Deputy David Valadez runs the program, which aims to foster positive relationships between the community and the department.

The Academy is a gateway for becoming a volunteer with the department.

Some participants even pursue careers in law enforcement.

The Citizen’s Academy will happen again next summer and it fills up fast.

For more information click here.