Citizens Police Academy to be hosted by Starke County Sheriff's Office

Friday, December 12, 2025 at 5:21 AM

By Staff report

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office has announced its first Citizens Police Academy in 2026.

The sheriff's office will be selecting up to twenty current Starke County residents, business owners, school leaders, and other individuals with a vested interest in the community.

This academy will provide an engaging, hands-on opportunity to tour our facilities and meet the employees who serve in a variety of divisions, including Dispatch, Jail Operations, Patrol, Detectives, Drone Teams, K-9 Teams, and the SRT Team. Participants will receive a front-row, interactive look at how the sheriff's office operates and continually works to serve the community more effectively.

Training will begin on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and will continue for the next four Wednesdays: February 25, March 4, March 11, and March 18, with graduation on March 25. Classes will be held from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

If you are interested in participating, applications are available at the Starke County Justice Center, 5435 East State Road 8, Knox, Indiana 46534, or via email to awilhelm@starke.in.gov. Once completed, applications may be returned via email to awilhelm@starke.in.gov or dropped off at the Starke County Justice Center.