Pinal County attorney hosting Citizens Academy Saturday

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office still has some spaces open for its upcoming Citizens Academy.

The academy runs from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 22 at the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, 971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Florence.

The academy takes a participant through a case from a suspect’s initial arrest and booking into Pinal County Detention Center, to sentencing or acquittal.

Attendees  will be able to tour the county jail, review evidence on several cases prosecuted by PCAO and use a shooting simulator “to better understand the real-life scenarios facing law enforcement,” PCAO’s website stated.

“We will talk about how difficult charging decisions are made and why they are made even when it goes against popular public opinion,” Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer stated in a video posted on PCAO’s Facebook page. “We hope this gives you a true look at our office and dispels any myths or rumors you’ve heard about the criminal justice system,”

Those invited to attend include anyone interested in the criminal justice process, neighborhood watch and community groups, private citizens ,business and civic groups,    educators or students, and public sector employees or elected officials.

The academy is free, but prospective participants must register at https://bit.ly/3zUFc3s . Lunch will be provided.