State Attorney Will Host First-Ever Citizens Prosecutor Academy

State Attorney William “Bill” Gladson will host the first-ever Citizens Prosecutor Academy for citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit beginning February 4, 2021.

Gladson has created the Citizens Prosecutor Academy to provide the public with an understanding of what the Office of the State Attorney does and its role in the community. The six-week program will offer an overview of the structure, philosophy, operations and services of the Office of the State Attorney. Participants will hear directly from attorneys, judges and subject matter experts on several topics including the criminal justice system, the jury trial process, forensics, crimes against children, homicide investigations, and diversion programs, among others.  

“The academy is one of many outreach efforts which are a priority to me as State Attorney” said Gladson. “It will benefit the citizens of the Fifth Judicial Circuit to know who we are, understand our mission, and learn more about their judicial system.”

The Citizens Prosecutor Academy will meet one day a week for six consecutive weeks. Each session will be held at the Mulberry Grove Recreation Center, 8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages from 10:00am to 11:30am. The class dates are February 4th, February 11th, February 18th, February 25th, March 4th, and March 11th.

The class is capped at 30 participants. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required when social distancing is not possible. All attendees must be free from COVID-19 symptoms. Anybody who would like to participate should visit www.sao5.org to complete an application.

For a copy of the full press release click here.