Citizens Police Academy

​Every April and September, up to 20 people can participate in the Salem Police Department's Citizens Police Academy. The purpose of the program is to enhance communication between the community and the police by providing an opportunity to understand police services, resources, policies, and procedures.

Topics

Some of the topics covered include:

• Community crime prevention
• Confrontation and firearms simulation
• Dispatch and emergency communications system
• Emergency vehicle operations
• Gang enforcement
• Internal affairs
• Patrol and traffic control

Time commitment

• 58 instructional hours over 14 weeks
• Wednesday evening classes, usually from 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Three all-day Saturday classes

To graduate, you cannot miss more than three scheduled sessions.

Applicant requirements

• 18 years old
• Valid driver license
• No felony convictions
• No misdemeanor arrests in the 12 months prior to the academy
• Live or work within the City of Salem

Application process and forms

You can contact the volunteer coordinator to have an application packet mailed to you, or you can print the materials from the links listed below and return them to the volunteer coordinator.