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Citizens Academy

The Citizens' Academy is a fifteen week program designed to give participants an inside look at local law enforcement. During the Academy, students will be introduced to a variety of topics to give them an overview of the Chico Police Department's function and operational procedures.

Academy classes are presented by Police Department administrators and veteran department personnel. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and various other staff members and are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns.

Participants in the Academy are selected by the Chief of Police through an application process. Enrollment is limited to thirty students per class. Potential candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a minimum of 17 years of age
• Must live or work in the Chico area
• Must have NO felony convictions
• Must have no misdemeanor convictions within one year of application.

Any of the above requirements may be waived by the Chief of Police. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for fifteen weeks at the Chico Police Department or other designated locations.

We also encourage our graduates to continue their involvement with the Police Department by becoming Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS). Our VIPS help us at numerous community and special events such as Halloween, Christmas, Concerts in the Park, and St. Patrick's Day. VIPS are trained and also assist in taking police reports, conducting front counter services, surveillance in problem areas, pre-party contacts, community patrol, and numerous other duties.

The Citizen's Academy is a great way to learn about your community, meet nice people, and get to know the men and women of your police department.

To learn more about the Academy, or to be placed on a waiting list for the next class, please contact the Chico Police Department at 897-4940. Applications for the Academy may be obtained from the "Downloads" page or by clicking here: Citizens Academy Application.