Citizens' Police Academy

The Citizens' Police Academy, a joint venture between the Salina Police Department and the Saline County Sheriff's Office, completed its twenty-fifth year in 2019.

The goal of the Citizens' Police Academy is to provide members of the community with an inside look at the various units of the Police Department and the Sheriff's office, to help create better understanding and communication between citizens and police through education. The Citizen's Police Academy offers an opportunity for individuals from all segments of the community to experience firsthand decisions and duties law enforcement officers face every day.

The fall academy participants meet for 11 weeks on Wednesday evenings from approximately 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Salina Regional Training Center. Participants tour the jail, the Police Department and the Sheriff's Office. Academy participants also have an opportunity to ride with patrol officers. The advanced academy meets in the spring for eight weeks.

The 11 week curriculum provides an opportunity for citizens to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do. The Citizens' Police Academy also presents an opportunity for citizens to voice any comments or concerns directly to the department. 

Citizen's Police Academy Application

Topic Discussions

  •  Firearms & drug recognition
  • Narcotics Unit
  • Criminal investigations
  • Crime scene protection and data gathering
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
  • Police firearm techniques
  • Court procedures
  • Jail and booking procedures
  • 9-1-1 Communications Center
  • Department tour
  • Virtra 300 Simulator
  • Ride-along with a patrol officer (optional)