Citizen's Academy

2020 Program

In light of the public health emergency created by COVID-19, it is not known at this time whether there will be a Citizens Academy in 2020. Please check back in June, 2020 for an update.

About Citizen’s Academy

The District Attorney’s Citizens Academy is a 12-week program that is designed to immerse citizens in the criminal justice process, bringing participants together with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges.

“For those who work within the criminal justice system, it is easy to assume that everyone in the community understands what we do, but that is not the case,” said District Attorney Pete Weir, regarding the need for the Academy. “With this program we can show people not only the role of the District Attorney’s Office in the criminal justice system, but we can also open up the process to them, helping to create a more informed and enlightened community.”

The Academy offers a better understanding of the justice system through hands-on instruction of case investigation and prosecution, including presentations on topics such as the autopsy of a high profile case, child sex trafficking, elder abuse, and identity theft. The Academy will include dialogue with criminal justice leaders, visits to the court and Detention Center, review of the functions of the District Attorneys Office and a “walk through” of a criminal case.

Participants must live in the First Judicial District, which includes Jefferson and Gilpin counties, submit an application, and pass a background criminal history check.