Interested in learning more about what police officers do everyday? The Citizens Academy offers an insider’s view into the day-to-day job of a St. Louis City Police Officer and is designed to further strengthen the bond between the department and the community. In addition to classroom instruction, participants also visit with police canines, interact with the department’s bomb and arson robot, tour the 911 center and even use driving and shooting simulators.
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The Citizens Academy meets one night per week for 12 weeks. Actual police officers teach nearly all of the classes which include sessions on the department’s history and structure, crime patterns, gang intelligence, homicide investigations and community policing techniques among other things. Class members also participate in role-play, using their knowledge to diffuse situations our officers encounter everyday. At the end of the course, a graduation ceremony is held to honor those who have completed the course. Graduates of the program are able to apply the knowledge they’ve learned to better serve their neighborhoods and assist police when needed.
The Citizens Academy has proven to be a great tool in building bridges in the community. The course provides participants with an understanding of the challenges officers face everyday and the role the community serves in solving and preventing crimes. Recent graduates of the program can apply the knowledge they’ve learned in order to better serve their communities.
Application Process
Applicants must be St. Louis City residents or own a business in the city limits. Participants must be 18 or older and have no outstanding arrest warrants. All participants must agree to a criminal background check. There is no fee associated with attending the Citizens Academy.
Citizens Academy
Questions about the Citizens Academy should be directed to citizensacademy@slmpd.org
Citizens Academy Application (PDF)
Informational Flyer (PDF)
If you are having difficulties accessing the information in the PDF files available on this webpage, please email website@slmpd.org for an alternative document.