Citizens' Prosecutor Academy classes to he held weekly in Homosassa, Aug. 28

Office of the State Attorney
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties

Citrus County, Florida - The State Attorney's Office of Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit will be hosting its Citizens' Prosecutors Academy ("CPA") program for the first time in Citrus County.

When and where the program will be held

The program involves 6 weekly classes, that will be held on Wednesdays from 10:00 am through 12:00 pm noon EDT, beginning August 28, 2024, and running through October 2, 2024; program dates are August 28, September 4, 11, 18, and 25; and October 2. The classes will be held at the Homosassa Library, located at 4100 S. Grandmarch Avenue in Homosassa, Florida 34446.

About the Citizens' Prosecutor Academy (CPA)

The Citizens Prosecutor Academy is designed to offer citizens a behind-the-scenes look at the criminal justice system from the perspective of a prosecutor. It's a chance to delve into the fascinating aspects of the legal world and gain a deeper understanding of how justice is served within our community.

"When I took office in January of 2020, I made it a priority to engage with citizens and to find ways to inform them about my office and our mission," said Bill Gladson, State Attorney for Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. "Through the Citizens' Prosecutor Academy, we plan to give participants an in-depth look at the Office of the State Attorney and its role in the judicial system. Moreover, I hope that this transparency will instill confidence that we're serving the people of the Fifth Judicial Circuit with justice, service, and accountability."

Throughout this immersive experience, attendees will have the privilege of hearing directly from seasoned attorneys, judges, and subject matter experts. They will provide valuable insights on various topics, including the criminal justice system, the jury trial process, forensics, crimes against children, homicide investigations, and problem-solving courts.

This academy is a gateway to understanding the intricacies of the legal system, and also an opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and learn from those at the forefront of justice within Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit.

You must be 18 to attend classes

The Citizens Prosecutor Academy is open to people who have a genuine interest in learning about the criminal justice system. To participate, applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The class size is limited to 50 people, to ensure an intimate, enriching learning experience.

Apply for classes online

To apply, complete the online application at www.sao5.org/community/citizens-prosecutor-academy, then submit the application, along with a copy of your photo identification (ID).