This fall the Sheriff’s Office hosted its sixth session of the Sheriff’s Community Academy, which offers Alexandrians the opportunity to explore the Office’s role in the local criminal justice system.

Beginning September 9, 16 participants spent their Saturday mornings learning about Sheriff’s Office operations, interacting with sworn and professional staff, viewing demonstrations, and touring the Adult Detention Center and Alexandria Courthouse. After four class meetings, the Community Academy members celebrated their graduation on October 7 with Sheriff Sean Casey presenting each with a certificate of achievement and a Sheriff’s Office shoulder patch.

Congratulations to Judith Baer, Kenith Booker, Paul Bridge, Joao Paolo Costa, Audrey Cunningham, Rhea Joseph, Wenda Joseph, Gustavo Maristany, Vanessa Moore, Luis Morales, Abdullah Noorzad, Michael Radt, Madeline Ridgway, Joseph Swartz, Nechelle Terrell and Sheila Washington for completing the Sheriff’s Community Academy!

During the fall session, Sheriff’s Community Academy participants learned about jail operations, court security, transportation of inmates, civil process, inmate classification and services, facility support, equipment, training and accreditation. Staff gave presentations and provided demonstrations, and Academy members asked questions and participated in hands-on activities, including a firearms training simulator.

At graduation, Sheriff Casey thanked all the graduates for investing their time to learn about the Sheriff’s Office and he asked them to invite others to join future sessions. Graduates shared their thoughts with Sheriff Casey and provided positive feedback about their experiences as well as the Office’s employees and operations.

The next Sheriff’s Community Academy class will be held in spring 2024 and those who are interested may contact the coordinator Sergeant Victor Ignacio at victor.ignacio@alexandriava.gov or check the City’s Academy website.

Photo: (l-r, front) Sheriff Sean Casey, Judith Baer, Wenda Joseph, Nechelle Terrell, Vanessa Moore, Audrey Cunningham and Maddie Ridgway. (l-r, back row) Kenith Booker, Rhea Joseph, Joao Paolo Costa, Gustavo Maristany, Mike Radt, Joseph Swartz and Abdullah Noorzad. (Not pictured: Paul Bridge, Luis Morales and Shelia Washington)