Citizen Police Academy Application

Springfield Police Department

The 2022 Citizen’s Police Academy has reached its registration capacity.

Those interested may submit their name and contact information to be added to the waiting list. If a cancellation occurs, those on the waiting list will be contacted. Those wishing to be added to the waiting list may email  Stephanie.Phillips@springfield.il.us and “Citizen’s Police Academy Wait List” in the subject line. We appreciate your interest.

About the Program

Interested in learning about community law enforcement? The Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) is a revolutionary concept in law enforcement and policy-community relations where participants will receive classroom and hands-on instructional learning experience of being a police officer.

The program is FREE but participants must pass a cursory background check before being accepted.

2022 Schedule

The 2022 Citizen’s Police Academy will take place on Wednesday evenings, October 12 – December 7, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The week of Thanksgiving, the CPA will be held on Monday, November 21, instead of Wednesday. It is an 9-week training program with a occurring graduation on the 9th week (December 7).

Participants must attend seven of the nine sessions to graduate.

What Will You Learn?

The program is comprised of both classroom and hands-on instructional learning experiences. You’ll learn about:

  • Officers selection and training process
  • The job of the uniformed patrol officer
  • Tactical operations
  • Investigation skills
  • Vice and narcotics
  • Communications
  • Firearms
  • Defensive tactics
  • Crime prevention
  • Community policing