Sheriff to host Citizen's Academy

County residents wishing to learn more about areas of law enforcement can learn more beginning July 11.

Jack County Sheriff’s Department is hosting its first ever Citizen Sheriff’s Academy. Sheriff Thomas Spurlock says the 12-week course gives the public a chance for insight into how law enforcement works which will foster better communication between people in the county and the department through education.

“We’ll have people tell us ‘people are selling drugs in that house’ and wonder why it’s not immediately taken care of,” Spurlock explained. “This will give them the opportunity to see what we go through and hopefully have a better understanding of law enforcement.”

To become a member of the class, which Spurlock says he hopes to limit to about 25 people, individuals have to pass a background check, which includes not being convicted or under indictment or currently charged with any felony, having a suspended driver’s license or being a known associate of a convicted felon among others.

Classes will run every Tuesday evening for 12 weeks with comprehensive instruction covering a different area of law enforcement every week.

“We’ll have folks from parks and wildlife, DPS, City of Jacksboro, our jail, the county attorney, the county judge talk about their jobs and find out what goes on in their office,” Spurlock said. “I have found that education has been my most effective tool in gaining understanding and support from people in the county and this is what we hope to do here.”

Other instruction will be provided by local fire departments, EMS, and the Justice of the Peace office. Introductions to the identification and narcotics in the county, real life crime scene investigation, and the probation office will also be done. A tour of the county jail and discussion of the county’s ride out policy are also part of the instruction.

Spurlock said representatives of the Karate University will also host a three-hour special session on defensive tactical training to keep individuals safe. 

The cost of the class is $50 which includes materials, refreshments and a T-shirt. No participant will be allowed to carry weapons at any time. Applications for the academy can be picked up at the Law Enforcement Center on FM 3344.

Spurlock said the department is also trying to get the Police Explorer program for students ages 14-20 interested in a career in law enforcement up and rolling. The department had a program but it dissolved. Deputy David VanderKaay, formerly a School Resource Office in Azle, will be getting Post 1856 started.

Any young person interested is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 567-2161 and give their information to VanderKaay.