Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy is held twice a year to give community residents an up-close look at what police officers do and an understanding of how the department operates. The academy meets once a week, on a week night, for 10 weeks with two field trips on Saturday. 

Applications for the academy are taken year-round and can be downloaded or obtained from the Mobile Police Academy, located at 1251 Virginia Street, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

The classes are taught by police officials with expertise in their given areas of instruction.  A vital part of the Citizens Police Academy is participation in role playing and scenarios.  Students will also have the opportunity to ride with a patrol officer and visit several law enforcement facilities, including Metro Jail and Communications.  Participants will be shown how to handle firearms at the Mobile Metro Firing Range and given the opportunity to fire handguns in a controlled environment.

The program is free and class size is limited.  Applicants who meet the requirements for participation will be admitted on a first- come-first-serve basis.

The Mobile Police Department started the program in 2001 as a way of building partnerships with citizens to fight crime and improve safety citywide.  On various occasions, the Police Department has convened graduates of the program for their input on projects or issues.

TOPICS COVERED

The classes will focus on all the units of the Police Department and their methods to fight crime and aid victims. Some of the topics covered include the following.

• Crime Scene Security and Investigation
• Traffic Operations
• Tactical Unit Callout
• Bomb Detail
• Case Investigation
• Crime Prevention 

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

• Reside in Mobile County or work in the City of Mobile
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have no significant arrest history
• Present a valid Alabama driver’s license
• Be willing to undergo a background check

HOW TO APPLY

Click here to download an application. For more information, call 251.208.2720.

Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

The mission of the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (MCPAAA) is to promote and enhance the relationship between the community and the Mobile Police Department.

Membership is open to graduates of the Mobile Police Department Citizens Academy and sworn officers of the Mobile Police Department. 

Join the MCPAAA.