Applications for the 2023 Kay County Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy available

NEWKIRK — Those interested in participating in the 2023 Annual Kay County Sheriff’s Department Citizen’s Academy can pick up or request an application now.

Free classes are held on 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays beginning on March 16 at the sheriff’s department and Pioneer Tech. Class size is limited.

Sheriff Steve Kelley said the academy is designed to promote a better understanding of the sheriff’s office policies and procedures as well as the issue that deputies face every day. The first academy was held in 2017 and annually afterwards except during the pandemic.

“The academy was established to foster a spirit of cooperation between deputies, citizens, and the sheriff’s office,” said Kelley. “Participants will learn about virtually every aspect of a deputy’s job including: Recruiting administration, patrol operations, dispatch communications, traffic enforcement, criminal law, juvenile offenders, detectives, crime scene investigations, K9 operations and the corrections facility.”

The sheriff stresses that the training is not designed to certify citizens to perform law enforcement duties. “The training is designed to enhance community relations and provide citizens with insights into the criminal justice system.”

Potential applicants must reside in Kay County, pass a background check and must be 18 years old or older.

Those interested in participating can pick up an application at the sheriff’s department or call 580-362-3250 to have one emailed to them. Applications can also be downloaded from https://www.courthouse.kay.ok.us/176/Kay-County-Sheriffs-Office

“Community involvement is the most powerful tool a law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime,” said Kelley. “After the academy you will have the tools necessary to help deputies as well as other law enforcement in the prevention of crime and keeping our community safe.”