Citizen's Police Academy

PURPOSE:

The Columbia Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) provides an opportunity for citizens to learn firsthand about police operations. Through a series of lectures, field trips, and simulated activities, citizens are provided training similar to that of an actual police officer. The Academy is beneficial to the community and the department because it fosters relationships and cultivates a cadre of citizens who are better informed about the realities of police work.

FORMAT:
The academy runs for nine weeks with classes held on Tuesday nights. Instruction is provided by Police Department personnel.

LOCATION:
Unless otherwise specified, classes are conducted at the Police Department’s training facility. Some off-site visits are made to other relevant locations.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM:

  • Chief’s Welcome Regional Patrol Overview Overview of Department Operations and Organization Bomb Squad
  • Training Traffic Unit
  • 911 Communication Center SRO
  • Patrol Functions / Traffic Control CWP (optional)
  • Criminal Investigations / Crime Scene Investigation
  • Internal Affairs
  • Gang presentation
  • Narcotics / Canine Operations
  • Victim Witness Assistance / Criminal Domestic Violence / Child and Elder Abuse

RIDE-A-LONGS:
The course will require students to participate in at least one ride along lasting approximately two hours. While participating in a ride-along, the cadet will accompany a full-time Patrol Officer and serve as an observer. This requirement may be waived under certain circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ride-along requirement,  please contact the Police Department.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Applicant must be either a City of Columbia resident or a business owner. This requirement may be waived under certain circumstances. Must pass a criminal history background check.

Citizen's Academy Application

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING:

Due to the sensitivity and classified nature of the material that will be shared with you during the CPA, it is essential that each  police academy applicant complete this application thoroughly and truthfully. It is imperative to the security of our agency that each accepted applicant is of good moral and legal standing. All questions must be answered, if applicable. If not, indicate N/A (not applicable). The information you provide in this application will remain confidential. Applications that are not complete and legible will not be considered.

APPLICANT MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE TO APPLY. INCOMPLETE AND/OR UNSIGNED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE.