There’s Good News: Youth ages 9-14 can apply for Crook County’s Junior Deputy Academy

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) —The Crook County Sheriff's Office will host a free Junior Deputy Academy for youth ages 9 to 14 from July 20 to July 24, 2026. The week-long course is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about careers in law enforcement through interaction with deputies.

Taught by Crook County sheriff's deputies, the academy features educational activities and demonstrations from several specialized units. Participants will interact with members of SWAT, Search and Rescue, the fire department, K9 units and detectives.

To qualify for the program, students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants are also required to submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult who is not a member of the child's family. Participants will experience first-hand the structured design of a deputy academy.

The academy is limited to the first 20 approved applications. Applications are available at the Crook County Sheriff's Office, located at the Justice Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All applications must be submitted by Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m.

The program runs daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center. Each participant will receive a "Junior Deputy Academy" shirt as part of the experience and the sheriff's office will provide lunch for all students each day.

Lt. Mitch Madden is serving as the contact person for the academy. Questions regarding the application process or the program can be directed to Madden at 541-416-3970 or via email at mitch.madden@crookcountysheriff.org.

The application deadline is Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. The academy is scheduled to run from July 20 to July 24, 2026.