CPA - Denton Citizens Police Training

What is the CPA?

The Citizen Police Academy is for citizens who would like to learn more about their local police department and the critical role citizens play in community crime control efforts. The class provides an overview of the Denton Police Department and gives citizens the opportunity to interact with officers, ask questions, and express any concerns they might have. It is the sincere desire of the Denton Police Department that there be mutual understanding and respect between the community and police.

What is the history of the CPA?

The 1st Citizen Police Academy in the U.S. was organized by the Orlando, FL police department in 1985. Orlando borrowed the idea from the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, City of Exeter, England, established in 1977. The class was so successful that other police departments began developing their own CPAs. The 1st Citizen Police Academy in Texas, was held in Missouri City, TX in 1986. Now there are hundreds of Citizen Police Academies throughout the U.S.

Who can attend the CPA?

Any U.S. citizen 18 years or older who lives or works in Denton County is eligible to attend the Citizen Police Academy. You must have a valid TX driver’s license (or TX state ID), pass a criminal history check, a social media check and a reference check. You must not have been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years or convicted of a felony ever. The Denton Police Department has the right to accept or deny any applicant based on the information received from these checks.

Where are classes held?

Classes are held at the Denton Public Safety Training Center, 719 E. Hickory St, Denton, TX 76205.

When are classes held?

Classes are held in the Spring for 9 weeks on Wednesday mornings.

Do I have to pay for classes?

No. Classes are conducted at no cost to participants. However, class size is limited to 20.

What topics are covered?

Each class is taught by Police Officers who actually work in the job area they are presenting. Subjects may include:

Student Resource Officer program
Traffic stops and patrol
Internal Affairs
Narcotics
Communications
SWAT
Training
Crime scene procedures
Special Victims
Major crime investigations
Drones
Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT)
Evasive driving

What happens after I graduate?

Graduates may join the Denton Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) and continue their involvement as volunteers staffing fundraising booths at community events, participating in many activities throughout the year and hosting the annual Police Appreciation Day. The CPAAA meets monthly. Membership dues are $20 per year.

Graduates may also apply to the Citizen Police Volunteer (CPV) program. CPVs volunteer in different areas within the Denton Police Department, at sponsored events and drive the volunteer patrol car. Training is provided by the Denton Police Department.

How do I apply?

Download the application at www.dentoncpaaa.org under the CPA tab. This is not an application for employment as a Texas Peace Officer. Email the completed application to Crime Prevention Officer Ricky Fenner at ricky.fenner@cityofdenton.com or to dentoncpaaainfo@gmail.com. You can also mail or bring it to:

Crime Prevention Officer Ricky Fenner
Citizen Police Academy
Denton Police Department
601 E. Hickory Street, Suite E
Denton, TX 76205

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Officer Fenner at 940-349-7241 or ricky.fenner@cityofdenton.com.

You will be notified by email or phone of your acceptance into the class. If the class is full, you will be notified and placed on a waiting list for the next available class.