Get an inside look at your Sheriff's Office, from the inside.
The Citizens Police Academy isn't a lecture series. It's eight Thursday evenings of hands-on experience with the people and units who serve St. Mary's County every day. You'll step into scenarios most residents never see, get equipment and techniques put right in your hands, and walk away with a real feel for how each unit does its job, not just a summary of it.
This isn't a recruiting program, and you don't need any law enforcement background to take part. It's for any community member curious about how their Sheriff's Office actually works, and who wants to do more than watch a slideshow to find out
What to Expect
- Real activities, not PowerPoints: you'll be doing, not just watching
- Direct access to the units and people who make up your Sheriff's Office, from Patrol and K-9 to Criminal Investigations, the Crime Lab, the Detention Center, and specialized units you don't often get to see up close.
- Small class size for genuine access and conversation, limited to 16 seats
- A closing session built around the human side of this work, and a certificate to mark the finish
Who Can Attend?
St. Mary’s County residents 18 or older with an interest in their community's Sheriff's Office are welcome to apply. No experience necessary, just curiosity. Class size is limited to 16 people, so early application is encouraged.
When and Where?
The 8-week course is free and runs Thursday evenings, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., September 3 to October 22, 2026. Most sessions are held at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 23150 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland, with a few sessions taking you off-site to see units in their own environment, including a visit to the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy and a session at the Detention Center.
How to Apply:
Applying is simple: everything is now handled online.
- Complete our short online application:
- Applications are reviewed, and you'll be contacted either way once a decision has been made