Teen Citizens' Police Academy
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- Teen Citizens' Police Academy Application <offline>
Purpose
The Tucson Police Department Teen Citizens’ Police Academy is modeled after the Citizens’ Police Academy and is designed to give young people the opportunity to learn about the Tucson Police Department and its operations, and to demonstrate the benefits of law enforcement and community policing in our city. It also gives our department an opportunity to interact with youth and solicit their feedback and ideas through discussion of relevant issues. It is the intention of the Tucson Police Department, through this 7-week Academy course, to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the functions and responsibilities of providing law enforcement services in Tucson. The police department's members and instructors are professional with their presentations and in making all participants feel welcome.
Program Explanation
The Academy includes:
- A structured quasi-military atmosphere
- A wide variety of classroom instruction and interaction
- Exciting hands-on training
- A number of demonstrations
- Graduation ceremony
- 3 earned Pima Community College credits, at no cost
Eligibility Requirements
- Be 13 to 17 years of age or in the eighth grade
- Be currently enrolled and attending school
- Have a parent’s written consent to attend
- Agree to attend ALL seven sessions of the Academy
Academy Schedule
The Tucson Police Department conducts a spring and fall session of the Citizens' Police Academy. Each session is 7 weeks in length, with classes meeting on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Training Academy.
Academy Rules
The purpose of these rules is to establish a code of conduct and general requirements to ensure an informative and enjoyable experience for all.
- The class T-shirt (if provided)
- A plain shirt or blouse void of any graphics
- A pair of jeans or similar pants with a belt in good repair
- Tennis shoes, laces tied, in good repair
- No hats will be permitted in the classroom
- Absolutely no "colors" or gang-related articles will be permitted
- Smoking is not permitted in any building or on the grounds
Attendance and Punctuality
Due to the program’s length, an absence from any class is not allowed for graduation. Punctuality is essential. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the beginning of class and be seated at class time.
Conduct
Please remember that the academy is intended for the benefit of all who attend. Participants should arrive prepared to contribute to the discussion and other activities. Students shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others in the class. Participants shall not be argumentative with instructors or other classmates during the class. There will be an opportunity to critique the class and the instructor at the conclusion of each session.
Dress Code
Each participant shall be neatly dressed. The guidelines are as follows:
Restrictions
Pagers or cell phones
We appreciate your cooperation in making our classroom environment as comfortable and attentive as possible. Pagers on vibrate mode are permitted. Cell phones are not permitted in the classroom.
Discipline and Removal
In the event a participant’s conduct is disruptive to the class or he or she violates the rules , the individual may be terminated from the program. Respect for others is mandatory.
Eating and Drinking
Refreshments will not be allowed in the classroom. Vending machines are available on the grounds or you may bring snacks and drinks. Students will be responsible for bringing a sack lunch.
History
The Tucson Police Department had its first Citizens’ Police Academy in 1995. This academy gave adult citizens a chance to view the inner workings of its police department and receive some of the same education that is given to new police officers. Assistant Chief Collier Hill returned from the FBI Academy with the idea of a Teen Academy. With the help of the Citizens’ Police Academy the Teen Citizens’ Police Academy became a reality. The first Academy graduated after six weeks of instruction on May 9, 1996 under the direction of Sergeant Kirk Simmons of the G.R.E.A.T. Program. The second Teen Citizens’ Police Academy, held in June 1999, was planned and organized by Lieutenant Karen Dickerson and Officer Dick Settlemire of the Academy Training Staff, in conjunction with the Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association, a non-profit organization established in 1995.
