The Modesto Police Department started the Citizen’s Police Academy Program in 2001.  Over 1,600 people have graduated from the academies.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to inform the community about: Gangs, Drugs, Elder/Child Abuse, Family Violence, Laws of Arrest, Search and Seizure Laws, Role of Police, D.U.I. Investigation, Traffic Enforcement, Police Officer’s Discretion, Crime Scene Investigation, Home and Personal Security, Identity Theft, and offers presentations by the K-9, and SWAT Team Units.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 10 week course, one night a week, for 3 hours each of those nights, for a total of 27 hours of instruction. The tenth night is “Graduation Night” for those who successfully complete the academy.  The Citizen’s Academy is offered twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.  The class is limited to 50 participants and enrolment is based on a first come, first serve basis.

If you ever wondered what the police do, and why they do things certain ways.  The Citizen’s Police Academy will answer your questions.

To attend the Citizen’s Police Academy, you do not have to be a resident of the City of Modesto.  You must be at least 14 years of age or older or 13 years of age if attending with a parent.  The classes are held in the Modesto Police Department Theater (600 Tenth Street), starting at 6:00 pm and ending at 9:00 pm.

There is no fee for attending the academy.  Each participant receives a binder with handout material in it on the first night of class and each week more handout material is added to their binders.  Upcoming Academies are announced in the Modesto Bee and on this website.  Check back soon or contact us for upcoming dates. 

If you have questions about the Citizen’s Police Academy Program, please contact Retired Detective Jack Smith at the Modesto Police Department Training Unit or call (209) 342-9140.