The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its 2026 Citizens’ Academy, a free program that gives community members a behind-the-scenes look at how the agency operates.
The academy begins Sept. 8 and runs for 10 sessions through Oct. 27. Most classes meet Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., with two additional Saturday sessions on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The majority of the gatherings will take place at the Sheriff’s Office in downtown Corvallis.
Sworn deputies will lead most sessions, sharing firsthand insight into the challenges, responsibilities and accomplishments of the office. Topics covered include law enforcement operations, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, and the agency’s support and command functions.
The program is designed for adults, but applicants ages 14 to 17 may participate if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and with a signed consent form.
The application deadline is Sept. 3, and organizers say space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.
Applications are available online at sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/citizens-academy or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW Fifth St., Corvallis. For more information, contact BCSO at 541-766-6858.