JeffCo Accepting Citizens Academy Applications

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO— Residents of Jefferson and Gilpin counties are encouraged to apply for the First Judicial District Attorney Citizens Academy's 2019 session. The academy designed to help create a better understanding of the criminal justice system.

The academy is a 12-week program designed to immerse people in the judicial process. The session will bring the community together with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges.

When: Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Aug. 21 to Nov. 13

Where: District Attorney’s Training Room
500 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden

The academy will include hands-on instruction on case investigation and prosecution, including presentations on topics such as the autopsy of a high-profile case, child sex trafficking, elder abuse and identity theft. The academy will include dialogue with criminal justice leaders, visits to the court and detention center, review of the functions of the district attorney’s office and a 'walk through' of a criminal case.

District Attorney Pete Weir said the local criminal justice system is "far more complex and diverse than most people know."

“With this program we can show people not only the role of the District Attorney’s Office but can also open up the process to them, helping to create a more informed and enlightened community.”

Participants must live in Jefferson or Gilpin County, submit an application by August 9, 2019 and pass a criminal history background check. Space is limited and an application is required, the attorney's office said.