Residents Can Get a Sneak Peak Inside BSO at the Next Citizen Police Academy

by Jill Fox September 17, 2019

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Residents Can Get a Sneak Peak Inside BSO at the Next Citizen Police Academy 1

Residents who sign up for the Citizen Police Academy will get an overview of what BSO offers. However, riding in the chopper is not one of them.

By Jill Fox

They fight crime, they give out tickets, but what else do the deputies at the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Parkland really do? Residents will get the chance to find out by attending their next Citizen Police Academy.

Each week in October, adults will get a chance to join the deputies and learn what really happens behind the closed doors of BSO.

Entrance into the Parkland district Citizen Police Academy will give individuals a better understanding of law enforcement and the services they provide to the community.

“This is a great opportunity to educate our residents about what it is we really do,” said BSO Captain Chris Mulligan, who shared his excitement about the month-long program giving residents and Parkland business owners an overview of all aspects of BSO.

Applicants will learn how the department is structured, as well as their role in the criminal justice system. From the bomb squad to SWAT, deputies will allow participants to learn what they do — and even handle some of their equipment.

Since residents have a role to play in public safety, the purpose of the citizen’s academy is to provide a fun and interactive way to educate and develop positive relations between BSO and the Parkland community.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for Parkland residents to get to know their police department on an intimate level, and see what we do for real,” said Captain Mulligan, who was a huge proponent in reinstating the free program discontinued a few years ago.

“You can’t beat these types of programs. It’s kind of like being a cop for a day.”

Classes will take place on Tuesday evenings in October at the Parkland District Office. Residents can register through October 1st at Citizen Police Academy. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no felony convictions and are subject to a background check.

Author Profile

Jill Fox

Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.