Citizen's Police Academy

What It is

The Jacksonville Citizen Police Academy is a 24-hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Jacksonville Police Department's personnel and policies. It consists of eight weeks of classes, held on one night each week for three hours. The instruction covers a different area of the police department each week. Officers, supervisors and personnel assigned to that particular division conduct each instructional block.

Who Attends It

The class is made up of a cross section of the Jacksonville community. The Academy is held at least once each year. The minimum age for enrollment is 18 years of age. You must live or work in Jacksonville to be eligible to attend.

Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Badge
Citizens on Patrol Police Car

  The Purpose

The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to improve the relationship and rapport between the Jacksonville Police and the citizens of Jacksonville and surrounding areas. The program gives citizens the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions. This two-way communication between police officers and the public has proven to be an effective, successful way to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Jacksonville Police Department.

  Join in

If you want to join, fill out an application here. If you would like to speak with an officer about the Academy, call 903-586-8336.

Topics

The Jacksonville CPA covers such diverse topics as:

  • Communications
  • Crime prevention
  • Crime scenes
  • Tactical Driving
  • DWI Investigations
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Police Administration
  • K9 and Special Operations
  • Texas Penal Code
  • Training in Firearms
  • Patrol Tactics

Instruction during the classes consists of lectures, demonstrations, hands on activities, and tours.

Citizens Police Academy Group Photo