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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Spots Filling Up For Annual DeKalb County Sheriff's Citizens Academy

DeKalb County Sheriff's Office

Time is winding down for people to register for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy.

The sheriff's office has been hosting the 10-week class, which is open to the public, since 1996.

Citizens will learn different facets of the criminal justice system, like the communications division, corrections, and State’s Attorney’s office. 

Outside investigators also will discuss gang and drug activity in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott says it’s an educational program but also can foster positive relationships.

“Normally the time we have contact with the citizens is in high stress and difficult times," he said, "so the academy is a great setting for both the citizens and the officers.”

Scott says he hopes the class will also inform members of the public on how much manpower and technology goes into crime solving.  

"It takes a long time to process through it," he said. "If we don’t have it ourselves, we obviously have to go to outside sources. But none of it is simple, and none of it is very quick.”

The class is from 6:30 to 9:30 Thursday evenings from Jan. 4 through March 15.

Registration for the class ends Friday.

Participants must pass a background check and be at least 21 years old.