West Hartford PD Seeks Citizen's Police Academy Applicants

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford residents interested in learning more about police work can get a behind-the-scenes look at the department through an eight-week program beginning later this month.

The West Hartford Police Department is accepting applications for its 2026 Citizen's Academy, "Behind the Badge," which will run from Sept. 30 through Nov. 18.

Classes will be held every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at West Hartford Police Headquarters, 103 Raymond Road. Participation is free.

The academy is designed to give community members a closer look at the department, its divisions, and the work performed by sworn officers and civilian employees.

Participants will learn about police procedures, practices, and some of the challenges law enforcement officers encounter while performing their duties. The program also includes a tour of police headquarters.

Topics scheduled to be covered include 911 communications, recruitment and training, patrol procedures, crime scene investigations, use of force, defensive tactics, the K-9 Unit, emergency response, DUI enforcement, fraud and home security, polygraphs and the Firearms Automated Training System.

The program also includes a four-hour police patrol ride-along.

Police said the goal is to help residents better understand the services and resources provided by the department.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and consent to a background check.

Anyone with questions can contact the department's Community Relations Division at 860-570-8820 or PDCommunityRelations@westhartfordct.gov.