BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is inviting residents to step inside the world of local law enforcement through its upcoming citizens academy, a six-week program designed to build stronger relationships between deputies and the community they serve.
The free program offers participants an inside look at the agency’s operations, policies and day-to-day responsibilities, giving residents a firsthand understanding of the work performed by deputies and support staff.
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Officials emphasize that the academy is not a police training course and does not certify participants as officers. Instead, it provides an educational experience focused on transparency, communication and community engagement.
Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and will combine classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations and scenario-based exercises. Participants will learn about a wide range of topics, including crime-fighting strategies, community outreach efforts, specialized units and the legal and constitutional standards officers must follow.
The curriculum also covers death investigations, use-of-force tactics, K-9 operations, building searches and traffic stop procedures. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a patrol ride-along to see deputies’ work in real time.
The academy is an unpaid volunteer opportunity, but those who complete the program will receive a certificate recognizing their participation. Organizers say the goal is for graduates to leave with a deeper understanding of law enforcement duties and share that knowledge within the community.
Two sessions are planned for 2026, with space limited to 25 participants per class. The first session will run from March 31 through May 5, followed by a second session from September 29 through November 3. Applications will close once each class reaches capacity.
Residents interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at the Sheriff’s Office can apply online at this link.
