The Citizens Police Academy is a 12-week program sponsored by Shaker's Police and Fire Departments, open to Shaker Heights residents and those who work in the City. The course is intended to raise citizen awareness of police procedures and programs. Students are provided with all necessary materials and there is no fee for the course.

Program

The course is conducted by Shaker Heights police officers. The weekly three-hour sessions cover topics such as criminal investigation, response to threats, K-9 Unit, and tactics.  Classroom lectures and field visits help participants better understand the pressures, complexities, and operations of police work. Class size is limited to approximately 15 students to ensure an active dialogue with the police officers.

Please note: The program fosters an understanding of law enforcement and does not grant any police authority to Academy graduates.

Here’s what you’ll do!

• Learn how the Police Department works
• Learn how the Police Department and the Municipal Court serve the public
• See the Police Department in action
• Learn about the operations of the Fire Department
• Ride along in a police cruiser on patrol
• Review crime scene procedures
• See the SWAT Team in action
• Learn and experience firing range procedures and gun safety
• Learn about the K-9 Unit
• Learn about the Laws of Arrest
• Learn about drugs and their impact on crime
• Learn about the response to threats continuum
• Learn about the work of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
• Learn about Community Policing
• Participate in Citizens Police Academy Graduation Ceremony

For further information, call between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday and ask for Debra Messing or Sara Burnham at 216-491-1240. 

Who Can Join

Those who live or work in Shaker Heights may apply. Applicants must be age 21 or over, with no violent felony convictions. In addition, applicants may not have been arrested for misdemeanor offences within 2 years of application. Background checks are run on all applicants.

Since the program began in 1994, there have been 16 classes with over 275 graduates. The classes are diverse in age, race, gender, and profession.

Application Form

Applications are required to be considered for the program.* Or, complete an application online, save to your computer, then e-mail as an attachment to Chief D. Scott Lee. 

Citizens Police Academy By-Laws.

*Printed applications can be mailed/faxed to:

Chief D. Scott Lee
Shaker Heights Police Department
3355 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120
Fax: 216-491-1243

Graduation, Class of 2003