Applications being accepted for the 2022 Spring Citizens Sheriff’s Academy

Staff Reports

HAYS COUNTY – Sheriff Gary Cutler has announced that the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2022 spring class. The course will tentatively start on March 10, 2022.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is a 45-hour program designed to give the citizens of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system.

This free program includes 12-weeks of instruction by Hays County Sheriff’s Office staff and other guest speakers. Classes are held on Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the new Public Safety Building located at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail. in  San Marcos, directly behind the Government Center.  

The objective of the Citizens Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. The academy will help increase public awareness and increase Sheriff’s Office and community relations and rapport. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants through interaction.

The instructors of this academy are supervisors, deputies, correction officers, and guest speakers who work in the areas being taught, and their training will give participants insight into the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. In return, class instructors receive direct feedback from the class participants on the effects the Sheriff’s Office has on their lives.  

Students will have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center, the  Government Center, and the Public Safety Building including the state-of-the-art communications center if current COVID guidelines allow. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift.  

Due to Covid, class size is limited to 20 people per class to maintain social distancing, so it is important to get your application in early. Applications may be obtained in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us.

Additionally, within the next few days, you will be able to download the application from the HCSO website. Applications must be received on or before  February 28, 2022.

Those persons with felony convictions, or who are currently on parole, probation, or anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible to attend. Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and either reside or work, in Hays County. For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, please contact the Hays  County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit or Deputy Mark Andrews at 512-393-7373 or  via email at mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us. 

Applications for the Citizens Academy may be mailed,  faxed, or emailed to:  

Hays County Sheriff’s Office

Community Outreach Unit 

Attention: Mark Andrews 

810 S. Stagecoach Trail 

San Marcos, Texas 78666 

Phone: 512-393-7373 

Fax: 512-393-7879

mark.andrews@co.hays.tx.us