St Johns County Sheriffs Office was recognized at the SJCSD Academy Awards 2024 as “Outstanding Business Partner of the Year.”
The collaboration between the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) and the Academy of Law and Homeland Security at St. Augustine High School has been remarkable.
Representatives from various departments of the Sheriff’s Office regularly engage with our students, delivering presentations on topics ranging from crime scene preservation to arrest procedures and records retention. Many of these individuals serve as dedicated Advisory Board Members, actively participating in our events and providing valuable insights into changes within the field of law enforcement.
Moreover, members of SJSO have taken an active role in mentoring our students. Their involvement extends beyond the classroom, with gestures such as bringing pizzas during lunches, assisting in defensive tactics training, and offering career guidance. Sheriff Hardwick himself has made multiple visits to discuss career opportunities directly with our students.
Additionally, this year, SJSO has launched a pilot internship program with one of our current seniors, enabling her to gain significant insight and knowledge across various aspects of the sheriff’s office. We anticipate that starting next school year, St. Augustine High School will launch its first cohort of 12th graders engaging in work-based learning at the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Hardwick and his team have further demonstrated their commitment by donating an unmarked patrol car equipped with blue lights and a siren for our instructors to use in teaching traffic stops. This innovative idea provides students with hands-on experience using authentic equipment in a non-traditional classroom setting.
On behalf of the Academy of Law and Homeland Security, we would like to congratulate SJSO for this outstanding accomplishment!
