What is the CPA?
The Citizen Police Academy is a 12-week Denton Police Department overview and the critical role citizens play in our community crime control efforts. It is the sincere desire of the Denton Police Department to develop mutual understanding and respect between the community and police. The goal of the CPA is to increase “Understanding through Education.”
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, a reference check and must not have been convicted of a felony. 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 meet one evening per week on Mondays, 6:30pm-8:30pm for thirteen weeks. Classes are held two times each year in the spring and fall.
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?
The curriculum is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the Denton Police Department. The program also gives citizens the opportunity to interact with officers, ask questions, and express any concerns they might have. Each class is given by Police Officers who actually work in the job area they are presenting.
Subjects include:
- Denton Police Department history
- Student Resource Officer program
- Traffic stops and patrol
- Bike patrol
- Narcotics
- 9-1-1 dispatch
- Tactical unit (SWAT) operations
- Family services
- Crime scene procedures
- K-9 unit
- Criminal investigations
- Driving and training simulators
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 (DPD), at DPD sponsored events and drive the volunteer patrol car. Training is provided by the DPD.
How do I apply?
Download the application at www.dentoncpaaa.org under the CPA tab. Email the completed application to ricky.fenner@cityofdenton.com or to dentoncpaaainfo@gmail.com. You can also mail or bring it to:
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.
Sign up now for our next class!