Twenty-two participants graduated in the first Spanish Language Citizens Academy held by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The ceremony was held Saturday, December 6, 2014, at 12:00 noon, at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in downtown Phoenix.
The Citizens Academy was entirely presented by Spanish-speaking deputies, officers and instructors, according to Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
Among the participants of the graduating class were also Hispanic pastors who took the opportunity to learn about the many areas of responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office. The Academy spanned four sessions conducted on alternating Saturdays. Sheriff Arpaio greeted the class during its opening session on October 25th where Captain Irene Barron Irby, the first Hispanic female captain in the history of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, welcomed the students with an operations overview.
The class learned about criminal investigations, jail intelligence and programs, MCSO’s role in terrorism detection and prevention; they also toured MASH II, Lower Buckeye Jail, the Crime Lab and the Food Factory, among other activities. The final day included a visit to the Sheriff’s Office Firearms Range where students were able to handle and fire a variety of weapons.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has 876 employees of Hispanic heritage, a total representing 25% of its workforce. “My hope is that these Spanish language academies will open the doors for mutual understanding and respect,” said Arpaio. “We also may inspire a new wave of future employees.”
This initial Citizens Academy in Spanish is the result of a pledge by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to build public trust in its 2012 policy directive entitled Integrity, Accountability, Community. The Sheriff’s Office typically conducts Citizens Academies several times a year. Going forward, both English and Spanish Language academies will be offered on a regular basis.