LINCOLNTON, N.C. - The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office began the Citizen's Academy September 4, 2024, which is the first night of a 12-week program.

Sixteen participants were accepted into the program, following an application process, and will get an up-close look at how the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office operates. These participants come from all different backgrounds, occupations, and from all areas of Lincoln County. Each with their own reasons for applying to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Citizen’s Academy.

This program provides citizen’s the opportunity to explore many law enforcement topics, such as use of force, law enforcement communications, traffic enforcement, special operations (SWAT, Dive Team, Land Search, and Mobile Field Force), criminal investigations, and detention center operations. Each of these topics will include both lecture and hands on training, with the guidance of many members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

This week, Lincoln County Sheriff Bill Beam addressed the class and thanked the participants for their interest in the program. Sheriff Beam discussed growth within the Sheriff’s Office, including the recent addition of Denver District and plans to expand the detention facility.