Applications open for next Sheriff’s Citizen Academy starting in March, 2026

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office is again offering the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy to Randolph County residents who are interested in learning more about law enforcement operations and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office’s internal processes. 

The next academy will start on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6 p.m.

There is no cost to attend. Class size is limited.

What is the academy?

The basic goal of the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy is to improve law enforcement/community relations through a formalized educational process. 

The Academy will cover a wide range of topics and demonstrations similar to what Sheriff’s Deputies receive. The program’s aim is to provide a broad educational experience that will familiarize attending citizens with the mission of sheriff’s personnel and the laws deputies must follow while performing their duties.

Through attendance and participation in the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy:

■ Citizens will be able to make more informed judgments about the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement activities.

■ The Sheriff’s Office will become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community, as expressed by attending citizens.

■ Citizens and Sheriff’s representatives will have an opportunity to explore together some of the traditional suspicions and misconceptions generally harbored by both citizens and the deputies. Through open discussion of such suspicions and misconceptions, a more harmonious climate for relationships can be established.

The Academy will consist of 10 sessions (plus graduation) that meet once a week, on Tuesday evenings, from 6 to 9 p.m. A variety of different classes will be provided. Most classes will be held at Randolph County Emergency Services Headquarters, 760 New Century Dr., Asheboro, NC 27205. Some sessions will be held at various other locations, and details will be provided. 

If you are interested in participating, you can fill out the application online or fill out the application (PDF), print it and return it to the Sheriff’s Office by dropping it at the front desk, mailing it, or emailing it to rcsocommunityoutreach@randolphcountync.gov.

Eligibility and signup

Membership in the Randolph County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy is open to all interested persons of the age of 18 or older, or 16 to 17 with a parent/guardian attending, who meet the following requirements:

1. Must not be convicted of a felony or seriousmisdemeanor or have received a prayer for judgment for either. 

2. Must not have pending charges for a felony or serious misdemeanor. 

3. Must not be a current or former member of any criminal gang or organization that advocates the overthrow of any local, state or federal government.

4. Must pass a background investigation.

5. Must sign a Waiver and Release.

6.  Any omissions or misrepresentations on this application will result in application NOT being approved. 

7. Participants MUST meet the attendance requirements (80% of class schedule).

8. Cannot be a current defendant in active civil litigation.

Deadline: Return applications by March 2, 2026, to: 

Randolph County Sheriff’s Office

Attention: Citizen Academy Registration

727 McDowell Rd.