The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) is hosting the Spring 2024 Citizens Police Academy. We invite members of the community to come learn about various aspects of our department in a simulated academy setting. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to build relationships across the campus and within our community.
The Citizens Police Academy will educate attendees in the daily operations of UMPD and share valuable insight between our police department and the community. The Citizens Police Academy will be a twelve-week course taught by qualified police instructors. Topics discussed will include:
- Police Accreditation
- Police Scenario Based Training
- Criminal and Traffic Law
- Traffic Stops
- Driving Under the Influence and Field Sobriety Tests
- Emergency Vehicle Operations
- Defensive Tactics
- Internal Affairs
- Active Threat Mitigation
- Crime Prevention
- Community Relations
- Teddy the Comfort Dog
- Crisis Intervention
- Police Communications
- Implicit Bias
- President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing
- …and more
UMPD will provide an informal academy experience to the participants, with classroom activities and discussion, as well as many hands-on experiences. The Citizens Police Academy experience will also include practical exercises and scenarios faced by police officers. There will also be an opportunity to participate in a ride along with an officer.
This unique experience will bring together an array of citizens who will be encouraged to express their thoughts openly and honestly. Interaction and open discussion will be encouraged, so please come with open minds and questions to ask.
Class Details
The Citizens Police Academy will meet every Wednesday starting on February 7, 2024 (no class during spring break) and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on May 1, 2024. Classes will start at 5:30pm and end at 8:30pm. Dinner will be provided each night.
Classes will be held at the University of Maryland Police Department's Police Training and Academy Building, located at 7147 51st Avenue, College Park, MD near the intersection of Campus Drive and 51st Avenue.
Participant Requirements
- Interested participants should work at or attend the University of Maryland or reside in College Park.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
- Participants will be asked to sign a waiver on the first day of class.
Application Process
- Complete a Citizens Police Academy Application
- The UMPD Training Unit will review all applications.
- Upon application approval and selection, the Citizens Police Academy Coordinator will notify you of the approval and confirm your attendance.
If you are selected to participate in the Citizens Police Academy, you must understand and abide by the following:
- Participants must be properly attired and maintain a professional demeanor.
- Attendees will be encouraged to participate in classroom discussions and participate in scenario-based exercises for a hands-on experience.
- Class discussions may include delicate and/or confidential information and must not be disclosed outside of class.
The University of Maryland Police Department looks forward to your participation in the Citizens Police Academy. If you have any questions about the Citizens Police Academy, you may email cpa@umpd.umd.edu.