Prineville, Ore. – The Crook County Sheriff’s Office is once again inviting local youth to step into the boots of law enforcement this summer through its annual Junior Deputy Academy. Scheduled to take place July 14th–18th, the week-long course offers a unique opportunity for children ages 9 to 14 to gain insight into the world of public safety.
Held at the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center in Prineville, the academy runs daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and is free to all participants. It will include interactive lessons and hands-on demonstrations from a variety of specialized units, including Search and Rescue, SWAT, Fire Department, K9, and Detectives.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the program is designed to offer more than just a peek into law enforcement—it aims to inspire youth by combining fun activities with structure and mentorship. All participants will receive an official “Junior Deputy Academy” T-shirt and a daily lunch.
To apply, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult outside their immediate family. Applications are available at the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, located inside the Justice Center at 308 NE Second Street, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6.
Class size is limited to just 20 approved applicants, so early registration is encouraged. For more information, visit sheriff.co.crook.or.us or call the Sheriff’s Office at (541) 447-6398.
The Crook County Sheriff’s Office, under the leadership of Sheriff John Gautney, has hosted the Junior Deputy Academy for several years as part of its community outreach and youth engagement efforts.
