community programs

DCSO KIDS!

RISING 3RD AND 4TH GRADERS

YOUTH SAFETY CAMP

The Summer Youth Safety Camp is designed for rising 3rd and 4th graders, focusing on essential safety topics to equip children with knowledge and skills for various scenarios. Led by School Resource Officers, the camp covers crucial areas such as water safety, guidelines for being home alone, precautions against child abduction, ATV safety, and education on hunting and firearms safety. Parents interested in more specific details can contact SRO Jarrett Simpson.

RISING 5TH-7TH GRADERS

JUNIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

The Advanced Junior Police Academy is an extension of the Junior Police Academy for children. Participants must be enrolled in 7th or 8th grade. This three-day program builds upon lessons learned in the Junior Police Academy. Group size is smaller to ensure participants receive more individualized instruction. This program includes practical applications of topics such as crime scene processing and use of force. Registration is conducted through the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers.

5th Grade

CHAMPS PROGRAM

The CHAMPS program is the core crime prevention program offered to our children. The Dawson County Board of Education requires all 5th grade students to participate in this program. The School Board heavily supports this program with partial and full funding of school resource officer positions. The class is conducted by the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers.

Registration for these programs is conducted through the DCSO School Resource Officers.

teen driving program LDT#739

Rev Up Your Skills: Teen Driver Program Returns to Dawson County High School!

This year, the Teen Driver Program LDT#739 returns to Dawson County High School, located at 1665 Perimeter Road in Dawsonville, Georgia 30534. The program will be offered during June and July, presenting a perfect opportunity for you to enhance your driving skills. Take charge of your future and sign up now! This course is free to attendees, lunch is provided and limited space is available. This course includes lots of practical training which satisfies Joshua’s Law. More detailed information can be received by reaching out to School Resource Officer, Deputy Vic Gazaway at vgazaway@dawsoncountysheriff.org.

SHOP WITH A COP

Giving Joy: Shop with a Cop Spreads Holiday Cheer to Underprivileged Children

Shop with a Cop offers underprivileged children the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for themselves and/or family members. Officers volunteer to accompany participants during shopping trips and help them manage their allotted funds. We greatly appreciate the financial support received from our community. Without their generous contributions, many of our area youth would unfortunately go without.Participants are introduced to officers as well as the command staff that serve the community. Students gain a greater understanding of law enforcement and an increased ability to understand the operations of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. Please note, this program is not a law enforcement accredited certification course.

Jail Tours

Guided Insight: Educational Tours for At-Risk Juveniles

Frequently, parents express interest in arranging tours of the Dawson County Detention Center for juveniles facing challenges. Following parental consent and Sheriff Johnson’s approval, these youths are granted the opportunity to gain insight into the daily routines of current inmates. The tour is designed to underscore the limitations on personal liberties experienced by those in custody. Please note that this initiative does not fall under the “scared straight” approach. Participants are introduced to officers as well as the command staff that serve the community. Students gain a greater understanding of law enforcement and an increased ability to understand the operations of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office. Please note, this program is not a law enforcement accredited certification course.

Dawson County Sheriff's Office