This fall the Sheriff’s Office hosted its fourth class of the Sheriff’s Community Academy, which gives Alexandrians the opportunity to learn about the Office’s role in the local criminal justice system.

Beginning on September 10, the 10 participants spent their Saturday mornings exploring Sheriff’s Office operations, engaging with staff, taking part in demonstrations, and touring the Adult Detention Center and Alexandria Courthouse. After four sessions, the Community Academy members celebrated their graduation on October 8, with Sheriff Sean Casey presenting each with a certificate of achievement and a Sheriff’s Office challenge coin. Congratulations to Karl Bach, Charlyne Braxton, Chia Chang, Dr. Evgenia Kontosthenous, Michael Kutner, Heather Lisy, Peri Kate Navarro, Amanda Tharpe, Maria Vilches and Shenna Williams for completing the Sheriff’s Community Academy!

During the Sheriff’s Community Academy, participants learned about jail operations, court security, transportation of inmates, civil process, inmate classification and services, facility support, equipment, and training. Staff gave presentations and provided demonstrations and Community Academy members were encouraged to ask questions and participate in several hands-on activities, including a firearms training simulator and a polygraph examination.

At graduation, Sheriff Casey thanked everyone in the class for investing their time to learn about the Office and for their thoughtful questions throughout the program. Graduates shared their thoughts with Sheriff Casey and members of his command staff, offering overwhelmingly positive feedback for the academy itself but also for the Office’s employees, procedures, and programs.

This was the first class to be held since the spring 2020 session was cancelled due to the pandemic. The next Sheriff’s Community Academy class will be held in spring 2023 and those who are interested may contact the coordinator David Nye at david.nye@alexandriava.gov or check the City’s Academy website.

Photo: Front row (l-r): Senior Community Liaison Elaine Scott, Sheriff Sean Casey, Charlyne Braxton, Amanda Tharpe, Karl Bach, Maria Vilches, Michael Kutner, Shenna Williams, Dr. Evgenia Kontosthenous and Chia Chang
Back row (l-r): Chief Deputy Shahram Fard, Volunteer Cullen Prall, Captain Dan Gordon, Director David Nye, Chief Deputy Shelbert Williams, Undersheriff Robyn Nichols, Captain Larry Richardson and Captain Quentin Wade