South Knoxville News

Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong announced the Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for our upcoming Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy, which begins Thursday, March 2. Anyone interested in applying for a spot in the class can access the application on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.bcso.com. From the home page, click on the “Functions” tab, and “Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy.”  The application is a printable PDF. 

The deadline for applying for the upcoming class is January 31, 2023. Class size is limited. Applications may be mailed to the address on the application or emailed to Outreach@bcso.com. 

Classes meet every Thursday night beginning March 3 and culminate on May 11th with graduation. Elective classes will be held on Monday nights. Topics covered include patrol functions, Criminal Investigations, Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, SWAT, Corrections, Sheriff’s Entry Team, K-9 Unit, Sex Offender Registry, District Attorney’s Office, Recovery Court, among others. Students will also take field trips to the 911 Communications Center and the Sheriff’s Office firearms range and driving track. 

The purpose of Citizen’s Academy is to allow citizens to familiarize themselves with the inner-workings of the Sheriff’s Office, and to get a better understanding of the duties of a deputy sheriff. Many of the classes are hands-on, and students will be allowed and encouraged to participate in at least two patrol ride-alongs. 

For additional information, please send an email to Outreach@bcso.com.

Original source can be found here