Santa Clara Police Department - Citizens' Academy

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Contact Information

Santa Clara Police Department
601 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050

(408) 615-4700

Email:	Police
	Web Manager
	Interest Form

Citizens' Academy

The Santa Clara Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA) is a 12-week program intended to provide participants with an overview of the Police Department's functions and operational procedures.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those of the regular Police Academy, with a mix of lecture format and scenario/ hands-on training. The weekly sessions are not intended to train participants to be Police Officers but are designed to help create a citizenry that is both familiar and comfortable with their Police Department.

The classes are taught by officers and civilian employees from throughout the department. Participants will have ample opportunity to speak with various instructors as well as the Command Staff.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions and to express their views and concerns to members of the Department. Participants will be asked to critique the various instructors as well as the overall academy experience.

To graduate, participants are required to complete a ride-along with a Police Officer. There is also a Saturday class that includes defensive driving maneuvers and range exercises.

Classes are held one evening a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Police Department, 601 El Camino Real, Santa Clara.

Selection Process and Requirements

Members of the CPA are selected by the Chief of Police through an application process. Potential candidates for the CPA must meet the following requirements:

At least 21 years of age
A resident of Santa Clara (or have strong ties to the city)
Willing to undergo a modified background check
Not convicted of any felonies
Not convicted of any misdemeanors within one year of application

Any of the above requirements may be waived or modified upon review and approval of the Chief of Police.

For more information, contact Sharon Hoehn at (408) 615-4892 or shoehn@santaclaraca.gov or complete the application (PDF) and return to:

Santa Clara Police Department
Sharon Hoehn
601 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, California 95050