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Community members are invited to participate in the Citizens Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA), conducted by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office twice each year. The 10-week program is held one night a week for about three hours and includes classroom instruction, ride-a-longs, and hands-on activities including firearms training.

Sheriff’s Office employees work with students to help illustrate the pressures and limitations facing law enforcement personnel in today’s society. Each session is taught by a subject matter expert and includes Patrol Procedures, Criminal Investigations, DUI Enforcement, Narcotics, SWAT, Forensics, and Felony Traffic Stops. Students are also placed in scenarios that test their decision-making skills.

CLEA is a great first step for those wishing to volunteer with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, as CLEA graduates have more options when choosing where to volunteer due to the training they receive in the academy.