Former Rock Creek Elementary campus transformed to Placer Sheriff's academy

The Placer County Sheriff's Office unveiled its new POST-certified training academy in North Auburn on Tuesday. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the academy, the first to open in California in more than 20 years, will expand training opportunities for agencies "from the Bay Area to the Central Valley and far Northern California." The academy has repurposed the former Rock Creek Elementary School campus, which closed in 2023. "Auburn Union School District is proud to provide facilities for the first POST training academy to open in Northern California in 20+ years," the school district shared on Facebook. On Tuesday, the Sheriff's Office hosted an open house where guests were afforded a tour of the facility and training spaces, which included mock classrooms, a bar, convenience store and residential living areas. "At the Placer County Sheriff's Office, we are committed to exceeding state training standards," the department said. "That same commitment will carry into the academy, ensuring recruits are prepared to meet the demands of the profession with the knowledge, skills and judgement needed to serve their communities." The academy's inaugural class begins Aug. 17. The Sheriff's Office confirmed it will also launch a Correctional Officer (CORE) Academy in early 2027.