Citizen's Policy Academy

Twice a year, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police sponsors an opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau. The Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. Participants receive three hours of training one evening each week in many of the varied functions of law enforcement. They experience some of the highlights of police training and are exposed to the operations of the Police Bureau. Participants are taught the basics of criminal law, search and seizure, patrol tactics, firearms, and many other subjects. They learn about the processing of a crime scene, conduct a ride-along with an officer, may experience a traffic stop, and see how police canines are used. CPA participants meet and talk with many of the street officers as well as the command staff and training staff that serves them. All this takes place in a safe and entertaining training environment.

Instructors are law enforcement professionals who teach both veteran and recruit police officers. Students leave this training with a greater understanding of the police mission and with increased ability to see how the police serve the community. This program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn police officer.

The next session of the Citizen’s Police Academy will begin September 8, 2008, at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, located at 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206. The program will be held each Monday evening, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 15 weeks. This is part of the on-going plan to offer the CPA outside of the Bureau’s training academy facility. Class size is limited to 30 participants. All interested persons must complete a written application and give permission for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to conduct a background check to determine if they have a criminal record. Please return applications by U.S. mail or hand-deliver to Pittsburgh Police Headquarters. All applications must be received by September 1, 2008. For more information on the City of Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact:

Lieutenant Jennifer Beidle
Pittsburgh Police Headquarters
1203 Western Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-323-7844
jennifer.beidle@city.pittsburgh.pa.us