Citizens Police Academy

The Chatham-Kent Police Service offers citizens the opportunity to learn a little more about the police service that protects them. The Citizens Police Academy is held in the fall of each year beginning in September. Classes are held it the Chatham-Kent Police Service Headquarters in Chatham.

The Citizens Police Academy is a program offered by the Chatham-Kent Police Service to enhance a partnership between the general public, through education and their Police service. The academy runs for nine weeks with classes being held on Wednesday nights for a period of two hours each. The Academy concludes with an official graduation ceremony at City Hall.

Classes involve presentations and demonstrations by members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Topics covered will include but are not limited to:

  • Child Abuse Investigation Team
  • Community Patrol
  • Court Services
  • Crime Prevention and Community Safety
  • Crime Stoppers
  • Critical Incident Response Team
  • Drugs and Street Crime
  • Emergency Communications (911 Centre)
  • Firearms
  • Identification & Forensics
  • Major Crime Investigation
  • Police Dog Services
  • Police Vehicle Operations
  • Traffic Management
  • Training and Development

Successful applicants will receive a guided tour of Police Headquarters as well as the Chatham-Kent Courthouse. Academy members will experience various “hands on” activities as selected by the co-coordinators.

The subjects taught are intended to make participants familiar with the operation of the Chatham-Kent Police Service. The course is NOT intended to train people to be police officers.

All “Citizen Academy” students will be required to participate in a Ride-Along with a member of Community Patrol. Participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the Ride-Along.

Participants must have all of the following:

  • Good moral character
  • No criminal record
  • Be 19 years of age or older

Due to the limited amount of space available, those interested are asked to submit an application to the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Applications will only be accepted when there is a posting. Only those selected to attend the academy will be contacted. Check the bulletin board for start dates and Academy information. There is no charge for this valuable experience and seniors are encouraged to apply.