[KHTS] -The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station graduated 12 applicants in the 12th Community Academy Graduation.

The Sheriff’s Community Academy offers community members the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, according to a Nixle news release.

The Community Academy focuses on how deputies serve the community and the inner workings of community protection within the Santa Clarita Valley, according to a Nixle news release.

“The Sheriff’s department has enjoyed an excellent relationship with the communities we serve by forging partnerships such as the Community Academy,” said Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain, Roosevelt Johnson.

The Community Academy is a 7-8 week course designed to help familiarize the community members with Sheriff’s department procedures and practices, Captain Johnson said.

The sessions covered topics such as patrol procedures, jail operations, detective bureau investigations, gang and narcotic enforcement, and neighborhood watch, according to a Nixle news release.

Two of the of the sessions were described as field trips. One to a Maximum Security jail and the the other to a “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” simulator.

Speaking to the graduates, Senior Deputy for the Los Angeles City Supervisor’s Office, Rosalind Wayman said, “You are ambassadors for the city and for the rest of us that live in the Santa Clarita Valley.”

Graduate Robert Pallasch said that he has a new appreciation for what the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department does.

“I thought it was fantastic. It definitely gives people a unique insight in what the Sheriff’s have to go through and do on a daily basis,” said Pallasch.

City of Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean spoke at the ceremony as well.

“You’ve taken the time to go through the course to learn a little bit about what it might be like to be in law enforcement and to understand law enforcement,” McLean said.

“We have a great city because people feel safe here.”

If you are interested in applying for the Sheriff’s Community Academy, you can contact Deputy Fanny Lapkin at 661-255-1121 or email Flapkin@lasd.org.