The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2026 Spring class. The course will tentatively start on March 5. The Citizens Academy is a 36-hour program designed to give residents of Hays County a working knowledge of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the criminal justice system.
The 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 to 9 p.m. at the 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 rapport between citizens and the Sheriff’s Office through education. Students can connect with instructors and staff, share their experiences while learning about the realities of the criminal justice system. In turn, law enforcement officers gain a better understanding of the needs, and wants of the communities they serve.
Citizens Academy topics include Patrol Operations, Jail Operations, 9-1-1 Dispatch, Use of Force, Special Weapons and Tactics, Crisis Negotiations, Mental Health, Criminal Investigations and other topics.
Students may have the opportunity to tour the Hays County Jail, the Juvenile Detention Center and the Public Safety Building with its state-of-the-art communications center. Students will also have an opportunity to ride along with a deputy as an observer during a regular patrol shift.
The class size is limited to 20 people per class. Applying early is important to secure enrollment in the class.
Applications may be picked up in person at the Public Safety Building or by emailing Deputy Mark Andrews at [email protected]. Additionally, within the next few days, applications will be available to download from hayscountytx.gov/citizens-academy.
Applications must be received on or before February 23. Those accepted into the program can expect a welcome email and document packet to be emailed to them by Friday, February 27.
Applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and either reside or work in Hays County. A background check will be performed and anyone with felony convictions, who are currently on parole or probation, or anyone who has been convicted for any offense involving moral turpitude are not eligible to attend.
For questions regarding the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit or Deputy Mark Andrews at 512-393-7373 or via email at [email protected]. Applications for the Citizens Academy may be mailed, faxed or emailed to Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Community Outreach Unit, to the attention of Mark Andrews, 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666; Phone is 512-393-7373; Fax is 512-393-7879; and email [email protected].
