Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in law enforcement? The Scott County Sheriff’s Office invites Scott County community members and business owners to participate in our annual Sheriff’s Community Academy, an interactive, seven-week series meant to give academy participants a working knowledge of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Academy objectives include enhancing law enforcement-community relationships, encouraging Scott County community members to partner with law enforcement to help make Scott County a safer place, and to provide community members with a greater understanding of law enforcement functions.
The Community Academy is taught by Sheriff’s Office Deputies and other department personnel, each showcasing their individual areas of expertise. The instruction typically combines in-class lectures with hands-on activities including live training simulations.
Classes are held at the Law Enforcement Center (Sheriff’s Office) in downtown Shakopee on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each week focuses on a different area of the Sheriff’s Office, including:
- Welcome and introduction from Sheriff Luke Hennen
- Support & Services Division (Investigations, Civil Process, Records, Southwest Metro Drug Task Force)
- Operations Division (Patrol, K-9, Recreational Safety, Drone Team)
- Emergency Management and Communications Division (911 Dispatch Center)
- Jail Division (Jail, Court Security, Inmate Transports)
- SWAT, Mobile Field Force, Regional Training Facility (tour in Jordan)
- Court process overview
- Volunteer opportunities (Reserves, Mounted Posse, SAFCOM)
“The Community Academy was developed to improve communication and obtain input and support from our community members,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “It is our hope that the graduates become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to issues that affect our communities.”
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and live, work, or attend school in Scott County. Participants must agree to allow the Scott County Sheriff’s Office to run a criminal background check to ensure the safety and security of all participants, Sheriff’s Office personnel, and the public. Participants are expected to attend all or most of the sessions. Class size is limited.
