The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office graduated another 18 people last night from the 38th class of the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA).

CLEA is held one night a week for 10 weeks and gives citizens an inside look at Sheriff’s Office operations. The course includes a tour of the jail and courthouse, and activities such as a ride-along with patrol, conducting felony traffic stops and firearms training. There are also sessions in law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, K-9, SWAT and Forensics, each taught by a subject matter expert.

Inspired by a visit to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, CLEA class members donated $2,025 to the Ranch during a check presentation at last night’s graduation ceremony.

The next CLEA class begins in April 2013 but is already full. Applications are being accepted for Fall 2013 and can be found on www.SarasotaSheriff.org and under the Crime Prevention tab click Get Involved.