What is the Citizen Police Academy?

The Citizen Police Academy is a twelve-week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Angleton Police department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week, on a designated evening, for three-hour duration. There are two sessions a year, and each is limited to 25 students. There is no cost to anyone who enrolls.

The classes will provide an overview of the various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the City of Angleton.

What are the goals?

Among the goals of the Citizen Police Academy is to help the residents of Angleton to better understand how the police work in their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the Citizen Police Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing that duty.

Why we have the program?

The Angleton Police Department is committed to the philosophy of Community Policing. The Citizen Police Academy will provide a forum to improve the lines of communication between the police and the community. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to quality of life issues that face our community. Graduates will be able to take their knowledge back into their neighborhoods where they can inform other community members about the police department.

What are the benefits?

Community members will become much more informed about the Angleton Police Department, which will provide for better understanding of what the police can and cannot do. The police and the citizens benefit by meeting each other face to face in a neutral, friendly setting. Participating citizens get to know the person behind the badge. Police are exposed to citizens, who instead of demanding something, are interacting with them in a non-confrontational environment. As a result, police officers and citizens foster an improved relationship with increased respect for one another. Community leaders and activists can enhance their leadership efforts by gaining a better understanding of their police department.

Who can attend?

Individuals who apply for the Citizen Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age. They must also either live or work in the City of Angleton. Applicants will be subject to a background check, and will be informed in writing as to whether they have been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list for a future class.