Citizen Police Academy

Image of Citizen Police Academy participants

Want to know more about the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD)? Want an inside look at aspects of law enforcement most have never seen? Join the Citizen Police Academy.

Students get first-hand exposure to the police department, personnel, and equipment. They're able to put themselves in officers' shoes in the weekly classes.

Application Process

Applications are open for the 2026 Civilian Police Academy. Classes will start on January 7 and will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Citizen Police Academy runs for 10 weeks. Applications close at the end of the month or when all spots are filled.

Apply for the Civilian Police Academy

See if the Citizen Police Academy is right for you! Here's a little more about the program:

  • A ten (10) week program
  • A program to provide the community with knowledge about GRPD policies and procedures
  • The program is free of charge
  • We invite all members of the community to take part
  • Meetings take place on designated week days from 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
The purpose of the Citizen Police Academy is to:
  • Educate community members in GRPD procedures and pressures associated within law enforcement
  • Allow the citizens to meet the men and women who serve the community
  • Provide police officers the opportunity to meet and hear from the community served
We'll review the following topics:
  • Community Policing
  • Meet the Chief
  • Laws of Arrest
  • Search and Seizure
  • Communications
  • Internal Affairs
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Crime Scene Processing and Forensics
  • Patrol Operations
  • Canine Unit
  • Vice
  • Special Response Team
  • Use of Force Training
  • Traffic Stops
All participants must match the following criteria:
  • Live or work in the City of Grand Rapids
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Have NO prior felony convictions
  • Have NO misdemeanor convictions within the last three years

Contact Us

Police Department

 

Email

grpdrecruiting@grcity.us

Phone

616-456-3301

 

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