Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Announces 2026 Citizen’s Academy

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to offer its 10th Citizen’s Academy this fall, giving local residents a behind-the-scenes look at the agency and its day-to-day operations.

Sheriff Doug Timmerman announced the 2026 Citizen’s Academy will run from October 13th through November 4th. The program is designed to give Mercer County residents a better understanding of the different divisions within the Sheriff’s Office and how those divisions work together.

Participants will attend informational classes, meet members of the Sheriff’s Office, tour the facility and take part in hands-on demonstrations involving equipment used by employees. Students will also have opportunities to job shadow employees working in several different areas of the department.

The Sheriff’s Office has held nine previous Citizen’s Academies since the program was introduced in 2013, with 107 people graduating from the program.

The academy is open to Mercer County residents who are at least 18 years old. A background check is required, and class size is limited.

Sessions will be held two to three times per week over a four-week period. Most classes will be held in the evening and will last approximately three hours, beginning at 6 p.m.

Applications and a preliminary class syllabus can be picked up at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office during regular business hours or downloaded from the Sheriff’s Office website.

Completed applications must be returned by September 11th.

Anyone with questions can contact Academy Coordinator Captain Chad Fortkamp at 419-586-7724 or visit mercercountysheriffohio.gov.