2024 YOUTH ACADEMY DATES: June 24-28

The 2024 Application is CLOSED!

Please check back next year for our 2025 academy!

Overview

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office's Youth Community Academy will provide high school teens ages 13-18 with an inside look at local law enforcement. The five day academy is designed to give teens the opportunity to learn about the Sheriff’s Office, its operations and gain knowledge and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of providing law enforcement services in Sonoma County.

During the academy, students will tour the Main Office and Main Adult Detention Facility, learn about Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures, communications, basic criminal law, the correctional system, specialty and investigation units, careers in law enforcement, and much more!

Academy classes are taught by Sheriff’s Office executive and veteran personnel. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the Sheriff and many staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and be actively involved in each presentation.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office hopes there will be a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement's role in the community through the education provided by the Youth Academy.

Academy Schedule

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office offers one class each summer. The length of each academy is five days, Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day with a graduation for friends and family on Friday.  Classes are held at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office main building located at 2796 Ventura Avenue, Santa Rosa.

Participant Requirements

Potential candidates for the Youth Academy must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be between the ages of 13-18 years (13 year olds must be entering their freshman year and 18 year olds must be entering their senior year of high school)

  • Must live or go to school in Sonoma County

  • No prior felony or misdemeanor convictions

  • Any of the above listed requirements may be waived upon review and approval of the Sheriff

Limited Class Space

Enrollment is limited to approximately 25 students per academy.  Once the class is filled, remaining applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

For more information contact:
Community Outreach Unit at Sheriff-Outreach@sonoma-county.org