Knowledge and crime prevention go hand in hand. Knowing how to avoid being a target for crime and knowing how to access law enforcement services are two major components of crime prevention.

Twice a year, the Sheriff’s Office hosts a Citizen’s Academy for residents 18 years and older. All divisions are showcased and you meet many of the Sheriff’s Office staff that keeps Linn County an outstanding place to live, work, and play.

• Have you personally met the Sheriff or new Undersheriff?

• Have you visited the 9-1-1 dispatch center or toured the jail?

• Can you name the six divisions in the Sheriff’s Office?

• Do you know why the Sheriff’s Office is called an office rather than a department?

Linn County residents have an opportunity to get the above questions answered in an informal way. The Spring Citizen’s Academy will be held March 3 through May 12. The 11-week class will meet every Tuesday evening from 6-9 p.m.

Applications for acceptance to the Academy may be obtained online at www.linnsheriff.org, by calling the numbers below, or by stopping by the Sheriff’s Office at 1115 Jackson St. SE, Albany.

For additional information about the Academy, contact Cathy at 258-6940 or Jo Ann at 259-6126.