County sheriff seeks members for first Citizen's Academy

Twenty individuals will be selected for a unique law enforcement experience if they apply before March 6.
The first Rock County Sheriff’s Office citizens’ academy will familiarize selected members of the public with the day-to-day operations of a peace officer.
This is the first citizens’ academy organized under Rock County Sheriff Evan Verbrugge’s 13 years of leadership as part of a community outreach effort by local deputies.
“I think this will give people the opportunity to learn about what we do,” Verbrugge said.
Over a six-week period, various local deputies and dispatchers will present a variety of topics during the six two-hour-long evening classes.
Topics include patrol procedures, narcotics, search and seizure, tactical operations, investigations, firearm demonstration, emergency vehicle operations and use-of-force issues.
In return, participants bring knowledge about their own neighborhoods and problems they see in working with law enforcement to the sessions  to potentially alleviate the issues, Verbrugge said.
Better understanding and lines of communication between law enforcement and citizens are key components of the academy.
There are similar academies throughout the United States, according to the National Police Association.
“I think it is a great public relations activity,” Verbrugge said about the citizens’ academy.
The academy is free to selected Rock County participants, who must be at least 18 years old, complete an application and pass a criminal background test.
The academy session is limited to 20 people.
Kick-off for the academy is Tuesday, March 17.
Applications are available at the Sheriff’s Office at 100 N. Blue Mound Ave., Luverne.
Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, March 6.
Participants will be notified by March 9 if they are accepted into the academy.
Another academy is planned for March 2021.