What is the Citizens' Police Academy ?

The Citizens' Police Academy is a multifaceted educational program in which interested citizens learn about the Bastrop Police Department, how it operates and the policing challenges which face our city.
Modeled after England's Police Night School, first held in 1977, the objective of the Citizens' Police Academy is to bring together a cross-section of community representatives for twelve weekly three-hour sessions of instruction and discussion of the Department's operations and policies which facilitate the delivery of police services.

What is the Purpose of The Citizens' Police Academy ?

The Citizens' Police Academy is designed to provide members of the community with the opportunity to gain specific knowledge about the workings of the Bastrop Police Department and general insight into the field of law enforcement. The program is solely informative and does not train or promote citizens to act in a law enforcement capacity. Graduates of the Academy will not be certified police officers. However, increased awareness and understanding will enable participants to more effectively involve themselves in crime prevention and to stimulate a citizen-police partnership in their neighborhoods.

Who is Eligible for the Citizens' Police Academy ?

Any resident of the City of Bastrop or County, 18 years of age or older is eligible to attend the Academy free of charge. Senior citizens, civic organization representatives as well as members of religious and business communities are welcome to participate. All applicants will be screened via a records clearance check prior to their acceptance in the program.

What Does the Citizens' Police Academy Consist of ?

The Citizens' Police Academy's 36 hour curriculum of classroom and applied instruction closely parallels the training program which police officer candidates experience. "Mini-capsules" of the same subject material covered in the basic training program are presented on a weekly basis. Instructors are officers and personnel from the Department who present their area of expertise. Simulated exercises, coupled with real hands-on training, provide the participant with a realistic view of the police professional's daily activities.

Topics Include: