YORK COUNTY, S.C. — The York County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is offering residents a rare opportunity to get an inside look at local law enforcement operations. Applications for the 2026 Citizens Academy will officially open on November 21, 2025.
The program is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. It allows participants to learn exactly how the Sheriff’s Office functions while providing a platform for citizens to share their own ideas on how the agency can more effectively serve the county.
A Partnership Through Education
The Citizens Police Academy goes beyond a simple tour. It features instruction from staff across various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. The primary goal is to foster meaningful partnerships with York County residents. Through an open exchange of knowledge and communication, the YCSO aims to increase transparency and efficiency in its service to the public.
Eligibility and Availability
The program is provided entirely free of charge, but seats are highly competitive. The class size is strictly limited to the first 20 approved applicants (with up to 25 seats noted as potentially available in preliminary reports).
Requirements to apply:
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Must be at least 18 years of age.
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Must be a current resident of York County, SC.
With the application window set to open on November 21, 2025, interested residents are encouraged to apply early here.
For more information regarding the curriculum or the application process, residents can contact Deputy Trent Faris.
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