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The Citizens Academy is a free, ten-week course that demystifies the criminal justice system and provides an inside look at law enforcement in the County of San Diego. The Citizens Academy is open to the public. Admission involved an application and cursory background check for all attendants.

This week wrapped up the Citizens Academy by discussing the ways we protect the most vulnerable members of society. We also learned how to build bridges to create a safer and stronger community-based response to crime.
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Week 10 Summary
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence
Animal Abuse
Animal Abuse
Crime Mapping
Crime Mapping
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Week 9 Summary
2007 Fires and the Law -- The October 2007 wildfires throughout San Diego County caused the cancellation of Week Eight of the Citizens Academy. As part of the response to those fires, Week Nine was promptly reformatted to address issues of fire and the law, starting with Arson.
Law of Arson
Law of Arson
Investigators Perspective
Investigators Perspective
211 info line
211 Information Line
Avoiding Fraud
Avoiding Fraud
Fire Evacuation
Fire Evacuation
All participants toured the Sheriff's Central Detention Facility, aka County Jail, beginning with intake just like an actual arrestee in the booking area. Through the holding area and on to a courtroom, they were met by the Honorable Kenneth K. So, Presiding Judge of San Diego County Superior Court, who provided insight into the judicial role in our criminal justice system.
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Week 7 Summary
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Week 6 Summary
The District Attorney's Office operates dedicated divisions designed to deal with the more sophisticated criminal, including the corrupt public servant, and the modern weapon of choice – the computer. Week Six takes you inside four divisions that focus on financial and computer-related crimes.
Public Integrity
Public Integrity
Economic Crimes
Economic Crimes
The District Attorney's Office includes eleven highly specialized divisions which handle cases involving crimes that deeply affect our communities and quality of life in San Diego. Week Five provides an insider’s look at four focused areas of prosecutions with a particular emphasis on how the office works to support people who’ve been victimized by criminal activity.
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Week 5 Summary
Alcohol and Automobiles
Alcohol and Automobiles
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking
Gang Prosecution
Gang Prosecution
Victim Assistance Program
Victim Assistance Program
 
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Week 4 Summary
What determines the level of force used by law enforcement? It's a question Citizens Academy participants got an answer to first hand during their field trip to the Sheriff's Training Facility. Sheriff's Cpl. Chris Cross and his staff offered an in-depth presentation on critical decision-making and the threat reaction process. Class participants also did some role-playing. They were presented with simulated threats and experienced the stress of facing down a potentially violent suspect. More importantly, they had to make the split-second decision about the level of force necessary to stop the threat.
The employees of the San Diego District Attorney, in partnership with the Community we serve, are dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice and protection of the innocent, and the prevention of crime through the vigorous and professional prosecution of those who violate the law. Chief Deputy Mark Pettine takes Citizens Academy participants through a real-life court case – a complex homicide – and gives observers their first chance to weigh in as jurors facing a difficult decision.
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Week 3 Summary
Anatomy of a Murder
Anatomy of a Murder
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Week 2 Summary
Sheriff's Captain Glenn Revell and DA Assistant Chief Investigator Carlos "Chico" Gonzalez explain the roles of law enforcement regarding criminal investigations, internal affairs, and outreach efforts among San Diego's diverse communities; Sheriff's Crime Lab Director Greg Thompson unveils the real CSI; and County Medical Examiner Glenn Wagner describes the role of the Medical Examiner's Office.
Sheriff's Role
Sheriff's Role
Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs
DAI's Role
DAI's Role
The Real CSI
The Real CSI
The M.E.'s Office
The M.E.'s Office
 
Welcome to the 2007 Citizens Academy! Chief Deputy Julie Korsmeyer demystified the criminal justice system; Deputy District Attorney Dan Lamborn presented an overview of your DA's Office; the placement and monitoring of high-risk sexual offenders was presented by DDA Summer Stephan; DDA Jeff Dusek covered the complexity and necessity of cold case homicide investigation and prosecution; and DDA Damon Mosler summarized the state of the war on drugs.
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Week 1 Summary
Welcoming Remarks
Welcoming Remarks
Justice System
Justice System
Office Overview
Office Overview
Sex Crimes
Sex Crimes
Cold Case Homicide
Cold Case Homicide
Narcotics
Narcotics
 
  • See the course schedule


  • See the previous academies


  • Contact Coordinator:

    Midge Costanza, Public Affairs Officer
    Office of the District Attorney
    330 W. Broadway, Suite 1300
    San Diego, CA 92101
    Phone: (619) 515-8294
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