Sign Up for the Alameda Police Department's Citizen Academy

Would you like to know what goes on inside the ? Have you often wondered why your local police do the things that they do? Then department has a program that will answer your questions ... and much more.

The department is currently accepting applications for the academy starting on Sept. 6, 2011. Classes are on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendance is free. Applications are due by Aug. 19. Details on how to apply are below.

During Citizen Police Academy #23, participants will be have a chance to learn about how the Alameda Police Department protects and serves the citizens who live and work in Alameda.

The Citizen Academy will kick off with a welcome from Mike Noonan, chief of police. In the following weeks, participants will experience classroom and hands-on orientation in the following law enforcement topics: criminal law, professional standards, officer safety, department firearms range, crime scene investigation, a tour of the Alameda County Jail, and many other topics. The academy concludes with a face-to-face discussion with Chief Noonan on the goals of community policing in Alameda.

Selection Procedure and Participant Requirements

The Citizen Police Academy participants are selected by the staff of the chief of police through an application process.  Potential candidates for the Citizen Academy must meet the following criteria:

1.  A minimum age of 18 years.

2.  A resident or employee in the City of Alameda.

3.  No felony convictions.

4.  No misdemeanor convictions.

5.  An interest in law enforcement.

6.  The desire to have fun and make new friends.

All topics are taught by sworn police officers and other legal experts and are intended for informational purposes only.

To obtain your application come by the Alameda Police Department or call the C.O.P.P.S. Unit at 510-337-8305. You may also obtain an application from the department's website at www.cityofalamedaca.gov/city-hall/police (click on the Citizen Police Academy link). Class size is limited to 25 participants and applications must be in by Aug. 19.