The Palm Springs Police Department Community Police Academy is a free interactive course designed to acquaint individuals who are not sworn police officers with the activities of the Police Department. The Community Police Academy is open to adults who live or work in the Greater Palm Springs community. The Community Police Academy does not certify you to become a police officer but it is a required step to be part of our Citizen's On Patrol program. 

The Next Academy is being planned for September 2025.

Participants will be selected on a first come, first serve basis. Only those who can commit to attending the full session should apply. 

Program Details

The Community Police Academy will run once annually for 12 sessions. Our next Community Police Academy is to be determined. The class will meet on select Wednesday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Along with the classroom sessions, participants will have the opportunity to attend one ride along session during the course of the academy.

Community Police Academy Mission 

The mission of the Community Police Academy is to strengthen community partnerships by offering community members the opportunity to interact with our professional staff, increase their understanding of police operations and become ambassadors to the community.

Meeting Dates 

To be determined

Meeting Topics

• Palm Springs Police Department overview, history and tour
• Overview of police bureaus and functions
• Recruitment and training
• K-9 overview and demonstration
• Traffic laws, enforcement and motors demonstration
• Tactical driving and traffic stops
• Firearms and Tasers overview
• Defensive tactics and de-escalation techniques
• Shoot and don’t shoot scenarios
• Crime scene investigations
• Impact Team overview
• Crime Prevention and community engagement programs
• and much more!

Eligibility Requirements

Community Police Academy participants must meet the following requirements:

• Live or work in the Greater Palm Springs area
• Minimum age of 18 years old 
• Certain misdemeanor arrests may disqualify the applicant
• No prior felony convictions
• Submit the Community Police Academy Application with copy of government-issued identification

After the application is reviewed and deemed acceptable, CPA staff will complete a *Department of Justice criminal history check before an applicant is accepted to the academy. 

The application period is NOT open at this time.

Additional Information

For more questions about the Community Police Academy, please contact the CPA Team:

Email our CPA team to inquire about the CPA program, submit your application and all associated documents, or to reserve your seat.