Citizens Police Academy

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The Angleton Police Department is currently planning the next Citizens Police Academy. We are planning to begin in Fall 2022. Applicants should be at least 18 years of age, reside or own a business in the Angleton area, pass a background check and be willing to commit to the classes.

Citizens Police Academy Facts: 

What is a Citizens Police Academy?

The Citizens Police Academy is a group of citizens who are interested in learning more about how their Police Department operates and the challenges our City faces. It should help citizens gain a better understanding of why certain decisions are made. Participants in each session commit to meetings for three hours, one night a week for twelve weeks to learn about different aspects of the Department. The sessions will be held in the Angleton Police Department Training Room.

What is the purpose Citizens Police Academy?

The purpose of the Academy is to enhance the positive relations between the department and the community through education and awareness. The goals are to create a growing network of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of positively influencing public opinion about police services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions.

How are citizens selected?

The Department seeks to fill each session with a cross section of community representatives. Spaces are on a first come, first served basis.

What subjects are covered?

A variety of topics are covered that will highlight each departmental unit and its duties. The academy will begin with an overview of the department and a tour of the facilities. Topics will include patrol division, street survival, family violence, DWI enforcement, narcotics, K-9 unit, self-defense, building search (SWAT), crime scene investigation, courtroom testimony, use of force, and firearms training. In addition, we may invite guest speakers from the District Attorney’s Office. Besides the classroom time, the students will be given the opportunity to ride with patrol officers on their regular shifts.

Who instructs the academy?

Instructors are sworn police officers and personnel of the Department and other support personnel who will speak about their area of expertise.

How do I apply to attend?

To apply for the next Angleton Citizens Police Academy, you may download an application online (PDF) or pick up an application at: 

Angleton Police Department
104 Cannan Drive
Angleton, TX 77515 

Complete the application and email Sergeant Harold Vandergrifft (hvandergrifft@angletonpd.net) or submit the application to the police department dispatch center. A background check will be completed. We will notify you if you are selected to participate in the next academy. There is no fee.

Citizens On Patrol Alumni Program

During the 12 week academy, the students are encouraged to ride along with the patrol division and may continue to ride if they are members of the Angleton Police Academy Alumni. At the conclusion of the 12-week academy, students may take an additional 4 hours of training and be eligible to participate in the Citizens on Patrol program. The C.O.P. program is designed for Alumni to assist the patrol division with disabled parking and other specific tasks. The goal of the Alumni Association is an ongoing learning and helping process, with the main purpose of gathering graduates of the Angleton Citizens’ Police Academy in order to enhance relations between the community and the police force. The organization meets every month on the second Monday of each month.

Extracurricular Activities

The Alumni participates in numerous other activities besides the C.O.P. program including The Brazoria County Fair Parade, Heart of Christmas, Shop with a Cop, Flag Day, Actors for academy classes and other miscellaneous functions.