Citizen Police Academy

We believe the only way to have a great police department is to foster a great relationship with the community through positive, interactive programs. Neighborhood Crime Watch, Apartment Crime Watch, Business Crime Watch, Crime Prevention for Older Adults, School Resource Officers and the Citizen Police Academy are all programs we offer to help.

The purpose of the CPA is to teach citizens about the internal workings of the police department. Through this program we can improve communication and help citizens make more informed judgments about the police.

The CPA is facilitated through the RPD’s Crime Prevention Unit. The 45-hour class (including graduation) meets once a week for three hours over a 16-week period. Students are instructed in the areas of officer selection/recruiting, field training, patrol procedures, communications & 9-1-1, detention procedures, use of force and special weapons and tactics (SWAT). The class has been re-designed to include hand-on-scenarios in addition to the lecture format. During the semester, students have the opportunity to ride with a patrol officer for an entire shift. Students can also spend time in the Communications Building where all emergency calls are handled. Additionally, one complete Saturday class allows students to experience the firearms range as well as the police tactical driving course! The class size is 20 students. The police department holds one CPA class a year beginning in February.

The Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, (CPAAA) Inc. is a 501©3 non-profit organization comprised of CPA graduates. The group assists the police department with volunteer activities and special needs. CPAAA hosts RPD appreciation day and recently began a scholarship fund for qualifying students of RPD employees.

One thing we hope is accomplished by the CPA is for graduates to go back into the community and convey to others the internal functions of the police department. Anyone who is a Richardson resident or works in Richardson and is at least 21 years of age can apply for the CPA. Applications are processed by the Crime Prevention Unit and the office of the Chief of Police. Criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. If you are interested in participating in the CPA, please feel free to call Gayle Copening @ 972-744-4953 or contact her by e-mail at gayle.copening@cor.gov.