On December 2 Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office extended an invitation to citizens interested in learning more about the Sheriff’s Office to attend the Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy.

Online applications and nominations are being accepted for participation in this popular program. Citizens who are accepted will hear from Sheriff’s Office captains and their staff about the internal operations of their divisions and the programs available for public safety. The 11-week program begins January 15, 2026, and is held at the Gus George Regional Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond.

Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The curriculum features presentations by every major division commander and an in-depth look at their operations and services. A tour of the new regional training complex is planned, and participants will visit other Sheriff’s Office facilities, including Detention and the Emergency Communications Center. Participants will also visit the Justice Center and Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Through the course, attendees will learn about patrol operations, criminal investigations, narcotics investigations, human trafficking, inmate management, and how telecommunicators, jailers, and deputies are trained.

Attendance is available without cost. A total of 35 participants will be selected. Individuals interested in meeting the Sheriff’s Office executive and management staff, including Sheriff Eric Fagan, along with several program specialists and subject matter experts, are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. January 1, 2026. Classes begin January 15, 2026, and commencement will be held on April 2, 2026.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have no criminal arrest record. Registration is available online at: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office/community-services/citizens-police-academy. For additional information, send an email to socp@fortbendcountytx.gov or contact the FBCSO Crime Prevention deputies at 281-238-1536.

“Education is one of the strongest tools we have for building safer communities,” said Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Through the Citizens Police Academy, participants gain meaningful insight into law enforcement operations and become even more informed partners in public safety.”

About the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office was founded in 1837 and is the largest and most diverse law enforcement agency in Fort Bend County. The Sheriff’s Office has over 900 employees, including 615

sworn peace officers and 22 reserve volunteer deputies dedicated to protecting and serving nearly 900,000 Fort Bend County residents. Among the 10 fastest-growing counties in the nation, Fort Bend covers 885 square miles and includes 21 unincorporated communities.