LINCOLNTON, N.C. (WHKY)  — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizen’s Police Academy, giving residents an inside look at how the agency operates and serves the community.

The free program is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Lincoln County. Classes will meet every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning Aug. 18 and continuing through Nov. 17.

Participants will learn about nearly every aspect of the Sheriff’s Office through classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Topics include patrol operations, use of force, law enforcement communications, traffic enforcement, court security, criminal investigations, detention center operations, and specialized units including SWAT, the Dive Team, Crisis Negotiations, Search and Rescue, and the Drone Team. Local emergency services and county government departments will also participate in the academy.

Applications are available online or may be picked up at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, 700 John Howell Memorial Drive in Lincolnton. All applicants must pass a criminal background check, and the Sheriff’s Office reserves the right to determine eligibility for the program.

Anyone with questions can contact Lieutenant Dylan Houser at (980) 429-5142 or by email at dhouser@lincolnsheriff.org.