The Citizens Police Academy

The purpose of the Citizens Police Academy is to educate the public about the police services delivered by the Louisville Metro Police Department, in order to foster understanding and community support for the department. This is part of the department's initiative to build partnerships within the communities they serve. The Louisville Metro Police Department has prepared a comprehensive training program to provide Citizens Police Academy participants with an overview of the various divisions, units and functions of the police department.

Days / Times

Sessions are twelve weeks in length and meet on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Location

The Citizens Police Academy rotates the class location for each session so attendees will be familiar with LMPD facilities throughout the Louisville Metro area. Once accepted into the class, you will receive a class schedule with all locations noted.

Why Should Neighborhood Leaders Attend?

If we want our neighborhoods to be safe, we need to become active partners with the Louisville Metro Police Department. We can be an asset to the police when we are educated and informed. This program will  allow neighborhood leaders to gain the necessary information to become true, effective partners to help the LMPD keep our neighborhoods safe.

Class Material

The LMPD Citizens Police Academy attendees will cover a wide variety of subjects including, but not limited to:

  • Meet the Police Chief 
  • Criminal Law 
  • Laws of Arrest 
  • Probable Cause 
  • Search and Seizure 
  • KRS and City Ordinances 
  • Use of Force Issues 
  • Tour of LMPD Headquarters with Live Fire Demonstration and Taser Demonstration 
  • Training and Recruiting 
  • Emergency Vehicle Familiarity 
  • Firearms Automated Training Systems (FATS) 
  • Crimes Against Children 
  • Domestic Violence 
  • Violent Crimes (Homicide) 
  • Crime Scene Processing 
  • Special Operations 
  • Mounted Patrol 
  • Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) 
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team 
  • Citizen Observation Form 
  • Traffic Enforcement 
  • Narcotics Unit 
  • Vice Unit 
  • Community Relations 
  • Introduction to CompStat 
  • Public Integrity Unit 
  • Professional Standards 
  • Introduction To Ethics

Up Close & Personal

Participants will have the opportunity to schedule a ride-along with a patrol officer in one of our eight patrol divisions and visit our telecommunications center.

Graduation Ceremony and Alumni Association

At the end of the class sessions, a formal graduation ceremony is held. Family and friends are encouraged to attend. 

How Do I Apply?

To enroll in a class, fill out the application below. To request further information, you may contact  the Louisville Metro Police Department Citizens Police Academy at 502-574-7423 or email us. The Citizens Police Academy is limited to 30 participants, so it is best to get your application in as early as possible.

Citizens Police Academy Application