The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office is accepting applications for its ninth annual Citizens Academy, an eight-week journey designed to involve diverse communities in mutual learning about the criminal justice system.
The goal of the academy is to educate the public, as well as improve relationships and communication between the many different communities in Yolo County and the criminal justice system. Other participating agencies include the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, Yolo County Probation Department, California Highway Patrol, and the Davis, UC Davis, West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland police departments.
Classes will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from April 16 to June 4 at the Woodland Police Department, 1000 Lincoln Ave. in Woodland. Participants must be at least 18 years old and residents of Yolo County.
Topics this year will include: the role of the District Attorney, the role of law enforcement, tours of the jail and coroner’s office, victim services, gangs, restorative justice practices and collaborative courts addressing mental illness and addiction, and breaking barriers addressing the schools-to-prison pipeline. There also will be a K-9 officer presentation.
“The academy provides a comprehensive look at the criminal justice system in Yolo County. Together we will explore how the system interplays with our communities from West Sacramento to the rural areas,” District Attorney Jeff Reisig said. “I think participants will be educated, enlightened and entertained.”
The application deadline is April 3, and class space is limited. To enroll, contact Wendy Wilcox by email at wendy.wilcox@yolocounty.org, by phone at 530-666-8356, or visit www.yoloda.org for more information.