FLORENCE (01/20/22) - Amid overwhelming demand, the Pinal County Attorney's Office has filled the first class for its Citizens Academy, set to take place next month.

The Citizens Academy is an opportunity for the public to get a better understanding of the criminal prosecution process, through hands-on experiences and a behind-the-scenes look at how specific cases were handled.

The Pinal County Attorney's Office has not held a Citizens Academy in more than four years. The February 19th class will be the first with County Attorney Kent Volkmer.

The Citizens Academy offers opportunities such as reviewing how specific cases were charged and prosecuted, a tour of the county jail and the use of a shooting simulator that provides a better understanding of situations where law enforcement has to make quick decisions.

While details on the second class have yet to be finalized, the goal is to host the Citizens Academy several times a year. The interest was so strong, the February class filled up within a couple days of it being announced.

The Citizens Academy is a good fit for anyone looking to get a better understanding of how the criminal justice system, and criminal prosecution process, works. This includes individuals, neighborhood or business groups, or those looking toward a future career in law or criminal justice.

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