Citizen Police Academies

Programs that operate academies that provide opportunities for community residents to get an inside look at local law enforcement through a series of courses which focus on tactical operations, search and seizure laws, the use of deadly force, crime scene investigations, K-9 and special operations, domestic violence, juvenile crime, vice, firearms training and other related topics. Participants may also be given ride along experiences with on-duty police personnel. The purpose of citizen police academies is to increase appreciation for and understanding of local law enforcement through education and interaction with individual officers and to dispel suspicions and misconceptions. Most academy programs are for adults age 18 and older though some communities have youth academies for individuals age 14 to 18 and special academies for businessmen and women.