***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2015

PROSECUTOR SPONSORS CRIMINAL JUSTICE CITIZENS ACADEMY

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Curtis T. Hill, Jr. is announcing the start of the seventh annual Criminal Justice Citizens Academy. Participants will gain insight into the operations of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and related criminal justice agencies. The Academy will include presentations relating to criminal prosecutions, investigations, juvenile crimes, pre-trial diversion, Victim Assistance, Child Support and the general operations of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

In addition to classroom lectures, tours of the Prosecutor’s Office, Elkhart County Correctional Facility and the Elkhart County Court House will also be included. Hill states, “In an effort to educate the public, we are offering members of the community a behind-the-scenes view of the criminal justice system. We have found that past Academy participants greatly increased their knowledge and awareness of local criminal justice system functions. It is our goal to enhance the quality of knowledge in our community by providing academy members an opportunity to learn about the procedures involved in criminal investigations and prosecutions.”

Last year’s participants recommended the program as it “shows you how the whole justice system ties together,” and that “every citizen should have the knowledge of how the prosecuting system works.” According to one participant, “This class rocks! – not like you see on T.V.”

The Academy will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Elkhart IUSB campus beginning on Thursday October 1, 2015 and continues for eight weeks.

The deadline for application submission is September 21, 2015. Space is limited and certain requirements apply. There are no fees for participants. Interested persons can apply for the Academy through our website at http://www.elkhartcountyprosecutor.com/programs-services/citizens-criminal-justice-academy or by contacting Heather Norman at (574) 296-1888 or hnorman@elkhartpa.com.

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