Citizen Police Academy | City of Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

The 2027 session is open for applicants!

Sessions are on Wednesdays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, from January 6 - March 3 (nine weeks).

Applications close on November 30 and late entries will not be accepted.

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Learn More

What is Citizen Police Academy?

Is the Citizen Police Academy right for you? Here's a little more about the program:

It's an opportunity to learn more about GRPD policies, procedures, and specialty units
It's free of charge
It helps participants learn more about how we can all work together to keep our community safe

Purpose of Citizen Police Academy

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 in sworn and civilian roles
Provide police officers the opportunity to meet and hear from the community served

Topics Covered

We'll discuss 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

Academy Eligibility

All participants must meet 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