Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Announces 2026 Junior Sheriff’s Academy for Local Students
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office has announced the 2026 Junior Sheriff’s Academy, a week-long program designed to introduce local students to careers in law enforcement.
The academy is open to Davidson County residents ages 16 to 18 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement operations. The program will run July 13 through July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at various locations throughout the county.
Participants will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training intended to expose them to a variety of law enforcement tools and responsibilities. Activities will include arrest search and seizure investigations, team building exercises, first aid and CPR training, crime scene investigation and firearms safety using a firearms simulator.
Students will also have the opportunity to observe demonstrations by the Sheriff’s Office K9 unit and the SERT unit. Additional components of the program include an overview of the civil court process, emergency vehicle operation using a driving simulator, drone operations and scenarios and detention operations.
According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the academy is designed to give students a realistic view of modern law enforcement while helping them develop teamwork, responsibility and leadership skills.
Students must provide their own transportation to and from the various locations where academy activities will take place.
Completed applications and all required documents must be submitted to the student’s School Resource Officer no later than May 29. Applications will be evaluated based on academic performance, behavior, recommendations and the student’s demonstrated interest in law enforcement through the application essay.
Applicants must meet several qualifications to be considered for the program. Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the academy, have no arrests or juvenile petitions and must not have received school disciplinary action within the last year. Applicants must maintain at least a C average, though the requirement may be waived in certain circumstances.
Students must also be willing to participate in all academic and physical activities during the academy. A letter of recommendation from a school administrator and one teacher is required, along with parental or legal guardian approval. Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required forms.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Students or parents with questions about the Junior Sheriff’s Academy can contact Cpl. Joey Cook at joey.cook@davidsoncountync.gov or by phone at 336-242-2124, or they may reach out to their School Resource Officer for more information.
