Citizens' Prosecutor Academy

State Attorney Bill Gladson offers a Citizens' Prosecutor Academy to members of the public who have an interest in learning more about who we are and what we do. The Academy provides citizens a look at the criminal justice system from the perspective of a prosecutor. Participants 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 problem-solving courts, among others.

Due to the sensitive nature of some topics in this series, applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Class size is limited to 30 people. Classes are free of cost to citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. No recording devices allowed.

For more information about the Citizens Prosecutor Academy, or to get a list of upcoming course dates, call (352)671-5800 or email community@sao5.org.

Upcoming Sessions

The Citizens' Prosecutor Academy will be returning in the spring of 2024. Our Sumter County academy will be held at the Villages Ezell Recreation Center (located at 769 Marilee Pl, The Villages, FL 32163) for a 6-week session. This group will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 10 am-12 pm beginning May 14, 2024, and concluding June 18, 2024.  

If you would like to apply for the upcoming sessions, please complete and send the application available below along with which class you are interested in and a copy of your photo ID to community@sao5.org. 

 6 WEEK CITIZENS' PROSECUTOR ACADEMY APPLICATION