Bexar County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy 2026: How San Antonio Residents Can Join Sheriff Javier Salazar’s 13-Week Community Program
For Bexar County residents who have ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office — from patrol calls to dispatch operations — there is now an opportunity to see it up close.
Sheriff Javier Salazar is inviting community members across San Antonio and Bexar County to enroll in the Bexar County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, a 13-week program designed to strengthen understanding between law enforcement and the residents they serve. The academy is part of an ongoing effort to build transparency, trust, and shared responsibility in keeping Bexar County safe.
For many families, business owners, and neighborhood leaders, public safety is more than a headline — it is personal. This program offers a chance to better understand how decisions are made, how emergencies are handled, and how deputies prepare for the challenges they face every day.
What Is the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy?
The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy is a 13-week educational program created to give Bexar County residents a deeper understanding of the operations and responsibilities of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
Through classroom instruction, discussion, and hands-on exercises, participants gain insight into the day-to-day work of deputies and support staff. The academy also offers an optional ride-along opportunity, giving residents a real-world look at patrol operations in San Antonio and surrounding communities.
This initiative reflects a growing national trend in community policing programs, where sheriff’s offices and police departments host citizen academies to promote transparency, education, and public engagement.
2026 Schedule and Location Details
The 2026 Sheriff’s Citizens Academy will take place:
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Wednesdays | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
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February 25, 2026 – May 20, 2026
Sessions are held in Bexar County, with the Sheriff’s Office located at 207 N. Comal Street, San Antonio, TX 78207.
Space in the academy is limited, and interested residents are encouraged to begin the application process early.
To apply or request more information, email score@bexar.org.
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What Participants Will Learn
The academy covers a wide range of public safety topics that directly impact Bexar County neighborhoods, including:
- Patrol Tactics
- Evidence Handling
- Traffic Enforcement
- Jail and Courthouse Tours
- Dispatch Operations
- Special Operations
- BCSO History
- Mental Health Response
- “Shoot or Don’t Shoot” Scenario Training
These sessions are designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how deputies make split-second decisions, how evidence is processed, and how mental health crises are handled in the field.
For homeowners, parents, and community advocates, the information can provide practical insight into how law enforcement operates — and how residents can better partner with deputies to strengthen neighborhood safety.
Why Community Programs Like This Matter in Bexar County
Bexar County continues to grow, and with growth comes evolving public safety needs. Programs like the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy create space for education and dialogue between residents and law enforcement professionals.
Participants not only learn about procedures and protocols, but also gain a stronger appreciation for the complexity of modern policing — from dispatch coordination to courtroom processes and specialized operations.
For many who complete citizen academies nationwide, the experience often changes how they view public safety in their own neighborhoods.
How to Apply
Residents interested in joining the 2026 Bexar County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy should email score@bexar.org to begin the application process.
With limited seating available, early registration is encouraged.
As Sheriff Javier Salazar and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office continue their efforts to promote understanding through education, programs like this serve as a reminder that community safety is a shared commitment.
For updates on local programs and public safety initiatives across Bexar County and San Antonio, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
