The most fun the staff of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office has is around the second or third week of June each year. This is the week of the Junior Law Enforcement Academy. This program just graduated its 11th annual class in June 2008. Thus far, approximately 320 students have participated. Students in grades fourth, fifth, and sixth are allowed to enter an essay about why they would like to become a police officer. A certain number of students are then selected by the school staff and our staff to attend. So far, all those that have wanted to attend have been able to. The academy begins on Monday at 8 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. each day through Friday. The academy teaches the students about all aspects of law enforcement. They meet and learn from FBI Agents, GBI Agents, DNR, local law enforcement, and a host of others. They also get to sit in a Georgia State Patrol helicopter and learn to do vehicle pullovers in golf carts. On Friday night the students and their families attend a graduation ceremony with the staff of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and other special guests.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program should contact the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. Registration for the 12th annual class will begin around April 2009.