Citizens Police Academy

Since April 1995, the Cookeville Police Department's Citizens Police Academy has provided members of our community with an inside look at law enforcement. The Academy is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the operations and resources of the Cookeville Police Department and its various functions within the community. It also functions as a forum for citizens to provide feedback and make relevant suggestions to our department.

The goal of the Citizens Academy is to provide a greater awareness and understanding between our department and the citizens we serve. We want to take you "behind the scenes" to show you what an officer's life is really like: from the excitement of catching the bad guy to the frustrations of dealing with repeat offenders. We would like you to see the tasks we face every day and why we handle situations the way that we do. With this better understanding, we believe it becomes easier for police and citizens to work together in solving community problems.

Lt. David Dukes is the Coordinator for the Academy. Sheila Holloway is the Assistant Coordinator.

This academy is NOT the Police Academy to become a certified police officer. Please visit our Employmentsection for information on becoming a police officer.

 

Course Description

The Cookeville Police Department traditionally offers two classes per year: one in the spring and one in the fall. The class covers a variety of topics and meets one night a week for 10 weeks, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and one Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until approximately 2:00 p.m.

Each class is designed to provide students with an insight into the various divisions and functions of the department. Several different officers instruct these classes to provide the students with a true representation of the officers of this department. The Academy incorporates hands-on training when possible for a more realistic experience for the student as well as "ride-alongs" in which students ride with officers during routine patrol.

To date, over 400 participants have graduated the Citizens Academy, and many continue to be active in the Citizens Police Academy Alumni.

The Fall 2005 session is in progress right now. To see a complete course schedule, please click here.

 

 

Benefits

The popularity of the Cookeville Police Department's Citizens Academy has grown with every class. It has literally opened up the lines of communication between the community and the department and has proved to be a catalyst for other programs sponsored by our department.

The Academy has also produced a very active and productive alumni association. The Citizens Police Academy Alumni have supported the department by assisting in an assortment of departmental functions and community events such as the Fall FunFest, National Night Out, Cookeville Criterium, etc.

They were also the driving force behind a K-9 fund solicitation drive which resulted in the acquisition of two K-9s along with the support equipment for maintaining, training, and transporting of the animals. In addition to general departmental support, the alumni continue to be instrumental in the success of the program itself. They provide administrative support and refreshments during the sessions.

 

Eligibility

Potential candidates for the Citizens Academy must meet the following criteria:

  • 21 years of age
  • No prior felony arrests
  • No misdemeanor arrests within one year of application
  • Must be nominated by a City employee, a law enforcement official, or an alumni

 

Cost

The cost of the program is $35 per student and includes a class shirt, snacks at each class, the student manual, ammunition during range day, the graduation banquet, and diplomas.

 

Contact Us

For more information about the Citizens Police Academy, please contact Sheila Holloway by phone (931) 520-5307 or by email sholloway@cookeville-tn.org.

For more information about the requirements for becoming a police officer with the Cookeville Police Department, please visit our Employment section or contact Lt. David Dukes by phone (931) 520-5332 or by email ddukes@cookeville-tn.org.

To request an application for employment with the Cookeville Police Department, please contact the Human Resources Department at (931) 520-5289.