This spring the Sheriff’s Office hosted its fifth 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 March 4, 11 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 April 1, with Sheriff Sean Casey presenting each with a certificate of achievement and a Sheriff’s Office challenge coin. Congratulations to Jordan Bedford, Christine Tampio, Francisco Delgado, Matthew Laforest, Kathleen Lowy, Carol Maggio, Kira McFadden, Janice McLean, Salvador Rizzo, Michele Walz, and Avanda Williams-White 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 all the graduates for investing their time to learn about the Office and encouraged them to invite others who might be interested in attending. Graduates shared their thoughts with Sheriff Casey and members of his command staff, offering extremely positive feedback about their experiences and the Office’s employees and operations.

The next Sheriff’s Community Academy class will be held in fall 2023 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): Director David Nye, Francisco Delgado, Chief Deputy Dan Gordon, Janice McLean, Michele Walz, Sheriff Sean Casey, Carol Maggio, Matthew Laforest, Chief Deputy Shahram Fard, Kira McFadden, Undersheriff Robyn Nichols, Salvador Rizzo and Senior Community Liaison Elaine Scott (not pictured Jordan Bedford, Christine Tampio, Kathleen Lowy and Avanda Williams-White)