Stafford Deputies To Offer Citizens Homeland Security Course

STAFFORD, VA — Residents can learn best practices for responding to terrorist attacks, active shooter situations and other acts of public violence through the new Citizens Homeland Security Course.

Residents have until Sept. 7 to register for the Sept. 15 course offered by the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. The county's proximity to Washington, the Pentagon and Marine Corps Base Quantico means it could be a terrorism target, so residents needs to be prepared, deputies said.

" ... This course represents a significant shift in our tactics because we are not just focusing internally; we are reaching out to train our citizens to become more vigilant and engaged in homeland security," Stafford Sheriff David Decatur said in a release posted on the agency's website.

The goal is for residents to play an active role in collecting intelligence and partnering with deputies to stop attacks before they happen, Decatur said.

Upon completion of the class, students will become part of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office SHIELD program, a two-way information sharing initiative that keeps residents updated on emerging crime trends and terrorist threats that could impact the Stafford area.

Applications for the Citizens Homeland Security Course are due Sept. 7 Registration is free. For more information, contact sheriff's deputy Sgt. Jason Forman at 540-658-4934 or at JForman@staffordcountyva.gov.

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