The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office hosts an annual citizen’s academy. The purpose of the academy is to help educate the public about all the tasks the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the judicial system are responsible for. The academy is 8 weeks long and meets on Tuesday nights. The academy is limited to 20-25 citizens. Each applicant must undergo a background investigation. Qualified applicants will be accepted into the academy. The academy consists of presentations by members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond County Judicial system. Presentations include the district attorney, magistrates, judges, special response team, criminal investigation division, K-9 division, civil division, and drug unit. After attending the program applicants are eligible for a ride-along with Sheriff’s Office deputies. Applicants attending will receive several souvenirs of their attendance. Pictures of previous academies can be viewed on the website.