The Sheriff's Citizens Academy (SCA) is an 10-week program for Pinellas County residents that offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the 15th largest Sheriff's Office in the country. Classes are held on Tuesday or Thursday nights from 6:00PM until approximately 9:00PM depending on the subject matter. The program is completely free of charge and includes a meal each class night.

Participants have the opportunity to:

• Meet Sheriff Bob Gualtieri
• Go behind the scenes of Patrol Operations
• Learn the same defensive tactics taught to Pinellas County Deputies
• Experience the Titanium Training System and decide whether to shoot or not shoot
• See the latest in Forensics and Biometric technology
• Train to shoot the same handguns our deputies do with your own firearms instructor
• Check out Special Operations including the K-9 unit, SWAT team, Marine unit, and Flight unit
• Climb behind the wheel of police cruiser to learn police driving techniques
• Take a peek inside Investigative Operations
• Find out what it takes to keep five Pinellas County courthouses secure
• Tour the Pinellas County Jail - the 28th largest jail system in the country

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be U.S. citizens who live or work in Pinellas County, and be willing to undergo a criminal background check.  For more information about SCA, contact the Communications & Public Education Section at 727-582-6612 or e-mail communityprograms@pcsonet.com. Ready to sign up?

Download the application HERE!
Due to the popularity of the program, we sometimes maintain a waiting list. Based on your preferences for day of the week, we will get you in the first available class.