Citizens' Police Academy

The Citizens’ Police Academy is designed to provide citizens with an understanding of the police department’s operations. Students will learn from police department personnel who are experts in the areas of S.W.A.T., K-9, narcotics, major crimes, patrol operations, traffic laws, criminal law, crime scene investigation, and other related fields. Students will also be scheduled for a ride-along during the academy.

Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Gulf Shores Police Department, how it’s organized, how it serves the community, and who the people are who respond when citizens call.

Instructors are drawn from all levels of the department. Students will meet the chief of police, patrol lieutenant, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other department staff. Students are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues.

Goal

A major goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to increase understanding between citizens and their police department, and to build a strong relationship for the future good of the community.

Requirements

• 21 or older
• Any of the requirements may be waived upon review by academy staff or the chief of police
• No outstanding warrants and no pending criminal cases
• No misdemeanor arrests within three years of application
• No prior felony convictions

Apply now.


After preliminary review to confirm eligibility, an eligibility list will be compiled and students will be assigned to the next available session.