Thornton Police Department Citizens Academy
Our next Citizens Academy will begin in late August of 2025, and typically meets Wednesdays from 6 PM - 9 PM for eight weeks with a few Saturdays from 10 AM - 2 PM during that time.
Scroll to the bottom of this page and click the button to apply before it’s too late!
The Citizens Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at law enforcement. This academy will acquaint citizens with the police department’s role in the criminal justice system and will provide an increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work. The academy meets twice a week for eight weeks and is designed to give citizens an overview of the police department’s functional and operational procedures. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional police academy, but are not designed to train the participant as a police officer. Upon successful completion of the academy, students will be honored at a graduation ceremony.
Academy Curriculum
Criminal Investigations
Patrol Techniques and Strategies
Crime Scene Evidence and Processing
Community Engagement
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Building Searches
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Crisis Negotiations
High Risk Vehicle Stops
Professional Standards
Firearms Training
Recruiting, Backgrounds, and Hiring
Youth Services Team/SRO
Police Psychology and Well-being
Traffic
K-9
Eligibility Requirements
Must be a citizen or community member who lives or works in the City of Thornton
Must be able to participate in a vast majority of the classes
Must not have been convicted of any major criminal offenses