Program Overview
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is designed to acquaint residents of Topeka and Shawnee County with the goals, objectives, organizational structure, and general operating procedures of the Sheriff’s Office and to promote good will, mutual understanding, and community support.
2025 Citizens Academy Graduation
Participation Criteria and Selection
Any resident of Shawnee County who is at least 18 years old, has no criminal record, and agrees to the established program rules may participate in the program. Applicants who meet the criteria for participation will be notified of their course date depending upon available course space. Applicants must agree to submit to a background check.
Course Activities and Scheduling
The Citizens Academy will be conducted every Wednesday evening for 10 weeks. Sessions are held at the Law Enforcement Center (320 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603). Program topics include overviews of:
- The structure and activities of the agency
- Special Weapons And Tactics Team
- Emergency Communication Center
- Public information programs
- Narcotics investigations
- Real Time Crime Center
- District Attorney's Office
- Criminal investigations
- Traffic enforcement
- Special operations
- Crime Scene Unit
- Patrol operations
- Criminal law
- K-9 Unit
- And so much more!