Riverside Police Department

Community Services Bureau

Citizen Academy

The Riverside Police Department's Citizen Academy was established in 1994 with the goal of providing our community members with an inside look at how the department runs its day-to-day operations.

The 8-10 week course is designed to give citizens an overview of the department's function and operational methods. It will provide insight as to how police personnel perform their duties.

The curriculum and teaching methods are not designed to train participants to become police officers.  The goal is to educate citizens and encourage them to participate in a police-community partnership, promote open lines of communication, develop lasting relationships and promote programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Traffic Safety, and Crime Free Multi-Housing.

Another goal of the Citizen Academy is to promote community volunteerism. Participants will be encouraged to become involved in community partnership and volunteer programs. City volunteer programs provide a diverse selection of work opportunities.

Most sessions are conducted by police personnel in a classroom setting and do not involve physical training. Most classes will be held at the Magnolia Police Facility and run 6PM-9PM.

The Citizen Academy Mission:

• To provide a realistic view and a clear understanding of the Riverside Police Department.

• To offer citizens new insight as to how police personnel, sworn and civilian, perform their duties.

• To promote open lines of communication between the community and the Riverside Police Department.

• To develop productive and lasting partnerships with citizens throughout the City of Riverside.

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