Citizens' Academy
2023 Citizens’ Police Academy
The Durango Police Department will begin the 23rd session of the Citizens’ Police Academy from March 23 to May 25, 2023.
The CPA is an interactive, 10-week class providing insight into the operation of the Durango Police Department and its role in keeping the community safe.
Academy purpose
The Academy is a ten-week program designed to provide residents of La Plata County (in an academy setting) first-hand information on how the Durango Police Department works. Participation in the Academy requires a commitment of one night a week for the ten-week program. Classes are held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Durango Public Library at 1900 East Third Avenue, Durango CO 81301.
The Academy is designed to increase understanding, through education, between citizens and police. Our intent is to acquaint citizens with law enforcement’s role in the criminal justice system, and to provide an increased understanding and overview of police work. As a caution, the Academy is not designed to make its participants certified police officers. The contents of the course are of an informative nature only and it is not intended that the participants have the authority of, or act as police officers.
Teachers
Instructors include members of the Durango Police Department who speak in their areas of expertise. Each has years of training and experience that they bring to the classroom.
Subjects
The sessions include information about domestic violence, gangs, patrol operations, traffic problems, community policing, tactical response and investigations, as well as a little history about where we are and where we are going. In one of the sessions, participants will have the option of firing several different weapons. They will also have the option of participating in an unarmed self-defense training session. Each participant will "ride along" in a patrol car to see first-hand what officers see and hear, and what they are trained to do in a variety of circumstances. Participants may spend time observing in the Central Communications Center and hear actual calls for service, as well as the dispatching of officers to those calls. Throughout the Academy, participants are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics with members of the Department.
Selection Process
The Department seeks to fill each program with a cross section of community representation.
Applications
Click here to submit and application for the 2023 Citizens' Police Academy. To access a brochure with a printable application click here. Completed applications can be submitted online, mailed, or returned to the Durango Police Department at 990 East Second Avenue, Durango CO 81301. If you have any questions please call 970-375-4701.