Citizen's academy offering classes

Nick Ianniello

Mineral Independent

Mineral County citizens who are interested in learning more about the way law enforcement in the county operates will have a chance to gets some hands-on experience with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office next month by participating in the Mineral County Citizen’s Academy.

“By the time this is all over I want them to have a better understanding of what we do and how we do things and why we do things,” said Deputy Bill Pandis.

The Mineral County Citizen’s Academy will offer classes, free of charge, on subjects related to law enforcement in the county, designed to help people better understand the legal process from simple traffic tickets to the operation of the Mineral County Jail.

Pandis said that the classes will last nine weeks, with class held every Tuesday night at 6 p.m. starting on Feb. 17. 

As many as 20 people can sign up for the course which will include hands on experience with police equipment, tactics and tools.

Pandis said that around half of the class will consist of hands-on learning such as defensive tactics, use of firearms and even a DUI driving obstacle course.

Due to the nature of some of the activities in the course, participants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course to participate.

At the end of the course all participants will be eligible to do a ride along with a Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputy.

“We’re trying to do hands on stuff as much as we can to keep people interested and make it fun too,” Pandis said.

The class will also include talks with local officials as well as a tour of the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and Jail.

“I think it will be fun and I think it will open a lot of people’s eyes about how we do things and what we do. I think a lot of people don’t realize that we are limited on some things, legally,” Pandis said.

Each class will last 2 – 3 hours long, depending on the subject matter.

Participants will also have to go through a background check to be allowed to take part in the program. Pandis said that this is to ensure that those interested in the class are there to learn.

For more information on the class or to get an application, visit the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office in the Mineral County Courthouse in Superior, or visit the Mineral County Web site at co.mineral.mt.us. Applications can be dropped off at the sheriff’s office or mailed in to P.O. Bo 99, Superior, MT, 59872.