From the Decatur Police Department…

The Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) is sponsored by the police department for the benefit of the residents and business owners of Decatur in an effort to increase understanding and awareness through interaction, education and training.

We are now accepting applications for the 2017 Citizen’s Police Academy. Classes will be Thursday evenings from September 7, 2017 through November 9, 2017. Class times are 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.

The 10-week course focuses on the inner workings of the police department and how our officers enforce laws and help keep us safe.

Class topics include:

• Department Functions & Staffing
• Recruitment & Training
• Criminal Law & Crime Trends in Decatur
• Traffic Enforcement
• Drug Trends
• Firearms
• Familiarization & Safety
• Special Units & Criminal Investigations
• Use of Force
• Juvenile Procedures
• Community Policing & Crime Prevention

CPA participants will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom and view police work first hand by completing a ride-a-long with an officer during their shift. There are also opportunities for tours of the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office and DeKalb County Jail.

CPA applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age by the first day of class and must submit to a limited background investigation by the Decatur Police Department. The background check will include a check of criminal history. Individuals must meet the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council standards to be accepted into the CPA program.

*PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO CITY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is an excellent class to take if you want to become more informed and develop working relationships with your police department staff.

If you are interested in signing up for the CPA, please submit completed applications to Lt. Jennifer Ross at or drop them off to Lt. Ross’s attention at the Decatur Police Department, 420 West Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030.

If you have a problem opening the PDF application attached to this post, please email Lt. Ross at and request an application.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS AUGUST 21, 2017.

The class is limited to 24 participants. Apply today!