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 typically limited to 60 people, unless the hosting facility can accommodate additional attendees. 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 2026.

Our Sumter County academy will be held at the Everglades Recreation Center (located at 5497 Marsh Bend Trail, Wildwood, FL 34785), beginning on May 14, 2026, and continuing through June 18, 2026, for a 6-week session. This group will meet once a week on Thursdays from 10 am-12 pm.

If you would like to apply for the upcoming sessions, please complete the application available below or click here to download a fillable form to mail (please address the envelope to Attn: Brittney
Carman, Public Information Officer, 110 NW First Avenue, Suite 5000, Ocala, FL, 34475). For any questions or concerns, email community@sao5.org.