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The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is seeking at least 20 residents who are interested in learning the ins and outs of law and order to sign up for the county’s second annual DA’s Community Academy.
The free 12-week course will give residents a comprehensive look at the criminal justice system with once-weekly evening classes geared at strengthening community relations and educating residents.
“I am proud to increase transparency and accessibility to our office with the start of this Community Academy,” District Attorney Diana Becton said prior to the programs inception in August. “My hope is that the community will understand more about the work we do here. Additionally, we can also build bridges to community members wanting to get a closer look at our office.”
Applications are due Feb. 11. Admitted applicants will learn about how cases are filled, the types of crimes investigated and prosecuted by the DA and the community outreach efforts made to prevent crime and support community members and victims of crime.
The academy will feature a series of presenters that cover a wide range of the criminal justice spectrum and include deputy DAs, investigators, victim advocates, support staff, representatives from community-based organizations as well as other justice partners.
Classes are free to attend and open to all residents who live or work in Contra Costa County. Applications can be obtained online via the DA’s website and emailed to DA-CommunityAcademy@contracostada.org. Applicants will be submitted to a background check when they apply.
Residents can also file an application in person at one of the following county office locations:
* 900 Ward St., Martinez.
* 10 Douglas Drive, Suite 130, Martinez.
* 100 37th St., Room 220, Richmond.
The second Community Academy Class will be held at the DA’s Office in downtown Martinez, 900 Ward St. from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday starting March 6.