Good News! The Teen Sheriff’s Academy (TSA) has been fully approved and will be held this summer, the week of July 23, 2018 at the Byron-Bergen Central School District. It is for students entering grades 10-12. The Teen Sheriff’s Academy is a free, week-long course where selected students get a hands-on education in what it is like to become a police officer in an academy environment, and what it is like to be an actual police officer. For example, students participate in class lectures in penal law, vehicle and traffic law, and criminal procedure law; view demonstrations from the Emergency Response, SCUBA, K-9, and Hostage Negotiator teams; and perform daily physical fitness and team building exercises. There will also be tours of the Sheriff’s Office, 911 Center, and the jail.
Upon successful completion of the TSA, students have a graduation ceremony, receive certificates, and enjoy a barbeque-style lunch on the final day. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the academy and to bring their own lunch during the week.
The first step in the TSA selection process is for the applicant’s school to determine who is eligible to apply based upon established criteria. Applications can be picked up in the Byron-Bergen counseling office or in the SRO's office. The deadline for submitting the application is March 31, 2018.
If the individual’s application is accepted, the next step is an oral interview. If the applicant meets the criteria for an interview, he or she will be notified by their school and an interview will be set up with deputies from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. An interview with the Sheriff’s Office is not a guarantee that you will be selected for one of the Teen Sheriff’s Academy weeks.
Based upon the individual’s application, essay, and interview, the Sheriff and other deputies determine who is selected to the academy. It is important to keep in mind that this is a competitive process for students throughout Genesee County. There will only be a limited number of students accepted into the academy, so please do not get discouraged if your application is not accepted. The Sheriff’s Office highly encourages applicants to keep applying to the program.
This program will be a great opportunity for our area students to gain knowledge and experience in the world of law enforcement. If there are any questions you can contact SRO Matt Butler at (585) 494-1220 x2304.