The Citizens Prosecutors Academy is celebrating five years of community education and collaboration.
This year marked the fifth anniversary of the academy, an innovative community outreach program launched in 2021 by State Attorney Bill Gladson to provide citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit with an inside look at the justice system.
Since its inception, nearly 400 participants have completed the academy, consistently describing the experience as an incredible supplement to their understanding of how the criminal justice system works. Through hands-on instruction and direct interaction with prosecutors, judges and subject-matter experts, participants gained valuable insight into the role of the State Attorney’s Office and its commitment to justice, fairness and public safety.
“The Citizens Prosecutor Academy was created to build trust, transparency and understanding between our office and the community we serve,” said State Attorney Bill Gladson. “Five years later, it’s rewarding to see how impactful this program has been and how engaged our citizens are in learning about their justice system.”
This six-week academy provides an overview of the structure, policies and operations of the State Attorney’s Office. Topics include the criminal justice process, jury trials, forensics, crimes against children, homicide investigations and diversion programs. The program’s success would not have been possible without the strong partnerships that supported it.
The State Attorney’s Office extended its sincere gratitude to the Public Defender’s Office and local law enforcement partners, whose collaboration and participation helped make the academy a success. Their involvement highlighted the cooperative efforts that exist within the justice system and demonstrated to the community how agencies work together in the pursuit of justice.
Looking ahead, the next Citizens Prosecutor Academy class is scheduled to begin on May 14 and will take place in Sumter County at the Everglades Center in The Villages. Citizens interested in participating are encouraged to apply.
Applications and additional information are available by visiting www.sao5.org and clicking on the ‘Community’ tab at the top or by simply emailing the office at [email protected].