***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 25, 2023

PROSECUTOR SPONSORS CRIMINAL JUSTICE CITIZENS ACADEMY

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Elaine Becker invites you to apply to participate in the thirteenth 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, there will be tours of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Elkhart County Court House and there may be an opportunity to tour the Elkhart County Correctional Facility as well. We offer a behind-the-scenes view of the criminal justice system from people who work in it every day. Our goal is to enhance the quality of knowledge in our community by providing academy members an opportunity to learn about the processes involved in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Past participants recommend 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 for eight consecutive weeks from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Elkhart IUSB campus beginning Thursday, September 21, 2023.

The deadline for application submissions is September 1, 2023. 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://elkhartcountyprosecutor.com/programs-services/citizens-criminal-j..., or by contacting Shelley Murphy at (574) 296-1837 or smurphy@elkhartpa.com.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”