TDCJ News

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Announces Spring Citizens' Academy

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is now accepting applications for its Spring Citizens’ Academy. The Citizens’ Academy offers a unique opportunity for community members to gain an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest department of corrections in the country.

“TDCJ looks forward to engaging with the community through the second annual Citizens’ Academy,” said Amanda Hernandez, Director of Communications. “Attendees will gain valuable insights into our daily operations, initiatives, and our unwavering commitment to public safety and the rehabilitation of those within our care.”

The Citizens’ Academy aims to foster meaningful partnerships with the citizens of Huntsville and surrounding counties, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the various functions of the TDCJ. The program will feature special presentations and tours by leadership from different agency departments.

Learn what past participants of the inaugural class had to say:

“Having grown up in Huntsville I knew a lot about TDCJ, but I realized I only knew a certain ‘slice’ of the agency. Highlights were meeting directors and deputy directors, touring facilities, hearing from inmates and visiting the Walls Chapel,” Huntsville resident Bridget Maloney said.

“I wanted to see what other community members thought of it and what I could bring back to the families as the Executive Director of the Texas Inmate Families Association (TIFA),” Sharon McKinney, TIFA executive director said. “Seeing that there is truly an effort going on, like the 2030 plan and trying to get everyone a job, all those things are amazing, and I felt everything was very transparent.”

“As a criminal justice student at Sam Houston State University and living in Huntsville where there are many prisons around, I was motivated to participate in the TDCJ Citizens’ Academy to gain knowledge in my future career field and to experience an inside view of what plays a vital role in the city of Huntsville-prisons,” SHSU student Alena Trawick said. “Coming out of the program I learned that TDCJ is so much more than just prison cells and inmates. There are so many moving parts within the department that help achieve the ultimate mission of public safety. I highly recommend the TDCJ Citizens’ Academy to anyone interested in gaining further knowledge in our Texas correctional system. You won’t be disappointed!”

The Spring Academy will consist of four sessions, held on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at various TDCJ sites in Huntsville. The classes will commence on April 2, 2024, and conclude with a formal graduation ceremony on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

This unique opportunity is open to adults aged 18 and older, and participation is completely free of charge. Interested individuals can apply by visiting the Citizens’ Academy webpage and completing the online application form.