Have you ever wondered about your rights as a property owner if someone breaks into your home?

The Caddo Sheriff's Office is offering a free course for homeowners to explain when they can legally defend themselves on their property and in their own home. The class will be held at 6 p.m., Monday, March 21, at the Caddo Correctional Center.

Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator called for the Sheriff's Regional Training Academy to develop the course in response to numerous questions from homeowners who were unclear about their rights. The upcoming session is the first time the course has been offered.

“It’s a common question we get asked, and our citizens need an explanation from the people who know,” Prator said. "Caddo Parish homeowners need to be aware of what the law says and that the law is on the side of the legal homeowner."

Caddo Sheriff's Captain Kenny Sanders developed the course and will serve as the instructor. Sanders will cover what rights a homeowner has when someone breaks into their home, attempts a burglary, or enters their property illegally.

“This isn’t a class on how to use a gun,” Prator said,“but it is a class on when it’s legal to use a gun or protect yourself,” Prator said. "When you’re asleep in your home, and you hear someone breaking in, you need to know what your rights are."

Those interested in attending the class should pre-register by calling Deputy Andrea Samuel at the Academy at 681-0735.