Community Police Academy

It is with regret that we must announce the cancellation of the Community Police Academy scheduled for March 5 – May 21, 2024.  We unfortunately did not receive the minimum number of attendees required to proceed with the program.

We remain committed to fostering positive relationships between the police department and all members of our community.  We are exploring alternative approaches to the community police academy.  Please stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and events aimed at promoting community involvement and enhancing understanding between law enforcement and the residents we serve.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

The Community Police Academy is a 12-week long program consisting of one class a week (on Tuesdays) from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm.  The classes cover the following topics:

• Communications
• Basic Criminal Law/Investigations
• Traffic Law
• Victim/Witness Rights
• Driving Under the Influence
• Use of Force/Tasers/Firearms
• Speed Camera Program
• Emergency Preparedness/Active Assailant training
• Crime Analysis
• Media Relations/Community Policing
• Patrol Procedures/De-escalation Techniques
• Stop the Bleed
• Bike Law

Optional field trips include some of the following, but others may be added:

• Montgomery County Emergency Operations Center
• Montgomery County Correctional Facility
• Montgomery County Circuit Court and State’s Attorney’s Office
• Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
• National Law Enforcement Museum
• Jessup Correctional Institute (Maximum Security Prison)
• Montgomery County Training Facility
• Montgomery County Forensic Crime Lab
• FBI Tour Experience

The presentations are slide show/lecture style and are given by officers, detectives and civilians of the Takoma Park Police Department.  There are also multiple opportunities for hands-on learning through equipment demonstrations, practical scenarios, field trips and ride-alongs with patrol officers.

The Takoma Park Police Department believes that educating the community results in gaining their understanding and support.  Through implementation of the Community Police Academy, the community gains new insight into how law enforcement officers perform their duties.  The success of any law enforcement agency depends largely upon the amount of cooperation and support it receives from the community it serves.

The Community Police Academy is free to the public.  Seats are limited to the first 25 students and are filled based on a first come/first serve basis.  The Takoma Park Police Department encourages all applicants to be able to commit to the full 12 weeks to get the most out of the program.

If you are interested in learning about the Takoma Park Police Department and local government, you are 16 years of age or older, and live or work in Takoma Park, you may apply. The applicants may not have any serious misdemeanor or any felony offenses.