Prineville, Ore. — The Crook County Sheriff’s Office has announced the graduation of 13 community members from the agency’s Citizens’ Academy program, marking the completion of the academy’s 11th session.
According to a statement provided by Undersheriff Bil Elliott, participants in the program received hands-on instruction and presentations from deputies and community partners on a range of public safety topics, including patrol operations, corrections, firearm safety, emergency preparedness, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.
The Sheriff’s Office said the program has now seen nearly 200 community members complete the academy since it was first launched.
Officials said past graduates have continued supporting the Sheriff’s Office through volunteer and advisory roles, including participation on courthouse and jail committees, as well as fundraising efforts benefiting the agency’s K9 program.
“We are proud of this year’s graduates and are already looking forward to next year’s academy,” said Elliott.
Community members interested in participating in future sessions may apply directly through the Sheriff’s Office, according to officials.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
