Sheriff’s Office Annual Community Academy

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in law enforcement? The Scott County Sheriff’s Office invites Scott County community members and business owners to participate in our annual Sheriff’s Community Academy, an interactive, six-week series meant to give academy participants a working knowledge of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Academy objectives include enhancing law enforcement-community relationships, encouraging Scott County community members to partner with law enforcement to help make Scott County a safer place, and to provide community members with a greater understanding of law enforcement functions.

The Community Academy is taught by Sheriff’s Office Deputies and other department personnel, each showcasing their individual areas of expertise. The instruction typically combines in-class lectures with hands-on activities including live training simulations.

Classes are held at the Law Enforcement Center (Sheriff’s Office) in downtown Shakopee on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each week focuses on a different area of the Sheriff’s Office, including:

  • Welcome and introduction from Sheriff Luke Hennen
  • Support & Services Division (Investigations, Civil, Records, Task Force)
  • Operations Division (Patrol, K-9, Recreational Safety)
  • Emergency Management and Communications Division (911 Dispatch)
  • Jail Division (Jail, Court Security, Transports)
  • Volunteer opportunities

“The Community Academy was developed to improve communication and obtain input and support from our community members,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “It is our hope that the graduates become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to issues that affect our communities.”

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and live, work, or attend school in Scott County. Participants must agree to allow the Scott County Sheriff’s Office to run a criminal background check to ensure the safety and security of all participants, Sheriff’s Office personnel, and the public.  Participants are expected to attend all or most of the sessions. Class size is limited.

Apply for the 2023 Sheriff's Community Academy

Classes for the 2023 Community Academy will be held at the Law Enforcement Center (Sheriff’s Office) in downtown Shakopee on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning in early February.   There will be no class on February 19, 2024, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.  The series concludes with an official graduation ceremony in which Academy participants are awarded a certificate of completion signed by Sheriff Luke Hennen.   

Registration for the 2023 Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy has CLOSED. Please check back next year for 2024 registration. 

If you have questions regarding Citizens' Academy, please contact Sgt. John Kvasnicka at 952-496-8130 or by email.  

2024 Community Academy Interest Notification Sign-Up

 If you would like to receive an email notification when registration opens for the 2023 Community Academy, please complete the online interest card.  Once registration for the 2023 session opens, you will receive an email notification as a reminder to complete an online application. Please Note:  This is not the 2024 registration form – only a reminder to sign up when registration opens.