Citizens Academy

Want to gain insight into how the Beaumont Police Department operates? If so, the Citizens Academy is for you! An 10-week program designed to educate participants on the how's and whys of your police department operations and services. The academy offers front-line and behind-the-scenes information on law enforcement through interactive presentations and tours.

Beaumont Police Department Citizens Academy

The Beaumont Police Department has found education is key in gaining understanding and support from the community. The Citizens Academy provides individuals who live or work in Beaumont an opportunity to be more involved with the police department and gain insight into how the Beaumont Police Department operates. The academy also provides our officers and staff with an opportunity to get to know our residents, so that we can remain responsive to the needs of our community. 

The Mission of the Academy

The purpose of the Citizens Academy is to foster better communication between citizens and police through education. The Academy will create a nucleus of well-informed citizens who possess greater insight into police practices and services. Graduates of the Academy can share their knowledge and experiences with their friends, family, and neighbors as the opportunity arises. Everyone benefits from enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of their police department.

Citizens Academy Goals

  • Provide the community information to gain knowledge of police operations, units, divisions, procedures, and protocol.
  • Develop a partnership between the community and police in order to establish a safer community.
  • Motivate the community to proactively help prevent crime and strengthen police and community relationships.  

How is the Class Conducted? 

Citizens meet one day each week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 10 weeks. They receive approximately twenty hours of classroom instruction by police officers and civilians who supervise or work in each division within the police department. 

SPRING ACADEMY

Wednesday evenings beginning March 8 to May 10.

The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those of the regular police academy, with a mix of lecture format and scenario / hands-on training. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and to express their views and concerns to members of the Department. 

There is no cost to attend the program and the only commitment is your time.

What Type of Information is Covered in Class? 

The curriculum program provides graduates with an understanding of the issues facing law enforcement and how the police approach various problems with a "mini" police academy format. The curriculum and lectures include:

  • 911 Communications and Dispatch
  • Property & Evidence
  • Records
  • Community Engagement
  • Task Forces
  • K-9 Program
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Homeless Outreach
  • School Resource Officer
  • Business Liaison Officer
  • Investigations
  • Use of Force/Demonstrations
  • Station Tour
  • Issues Facing Law Enforcement

Optional Volunteer Track:

  • Citizen Volunteers
  • Explorer and Cadet Program
  • Volunteer Application Process/Requirements

What Should I Expect from this Course?

The Beaumont Police Department’s Citizens Academy is an 10-week program intended to provide the participant with an overview of the Beaumont Police Department’s functions and operational procedures.
 
The weekly sessions are not intended to train participants to be Police Officers but are intended to help create a citizenry that is both familiar and comfortable with their police department.

Who is Eligible to Attend?

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum age of 18 years
  • Live or work in Beaumont
  • No prior felony convictions
  • No serious misdemeanor arrests within one year of application

Due to limited space, participants must be able to commit to attending each week within the 10-week program. Students cannot select certain classes in the program to attend. In addition, due to the quick pace of the classes, they will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. each day.

How do You Apply?

You can find an Academy Application online or pick one up at the Police Department. Applications may be returned via email at PIO@Beaumontpd.org or in person at 660 Orange Avenue. If you have any questions or need more information, call Public Information Officer, Marcedes Cashmer (951) 769-8500

Through the Citizens Academy, enrolled students will be encouraged to build a lasting partnership with the Department, with the ultimate goal of reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods.