Palm Springs Police Academy will provide insight into activities of the Police Department

PALM SPRINGS — Have you ever dreamed of riding along with a police officer? The ever-popular Palm Springs Police Academy is giving you that opportunity and much more.

The next Academy starts Jan. 31. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only those who can commit to attending the full, three-month session should apply for one of the coveted spots. The application period runs until Jan. 17, or until the class is full.

The session runs from Jan. 31 through April 25.

The Palm Springs Police Department Community Police Academy is a free interactive course tailored to familiarize individuals who are not sworn police officers with the activities of the Police Department, according to the department’s website. 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 the department’s Citizens On Patrol program.

Those who have completed the Academy give it rave reviews and maintain that everyone should enroll.

Topics covered in the Academy include:

  • 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
  • Homeless Outreach Street Team overview
  • Crime Prevention and community engagement programs

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 requested documents
  • 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.

You may click on the link above to apply online or pick up a packet at the front counter at the Palm Springs Police Department located at 200 S Civic Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Image Sources

  • Palm Springs Police: PSPD