The Salem Police Department hosts a Community Police Academy each year in April. The purpose of this program is to enhance understanding and communication between the community and the police through in-person classes on police services, programs, procedures, and policies. Classes are limited to 25 community members.

Topics

Some of the topics participants will learn about include:

• Crime scene investigation
• Emergency vehicle operations
• K-9 Program
• Traffic Control Unit
• Recruitment
• Scenario-based training

Time Commitment

• The program is eight weeks in duration
• The primary classes are on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Two Saturday classes are scheduled for specialized team presentations and activities

Applicant Requirements 

To participate in the academy, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Live or work within the Salem city limits
• Possess a valid driver license
• Submit to a criminal history check, which should demonstrate:
  • No misdemeanor arrests in the 12 months before the academy start date
  • No felony convictions

Application Process

Interested individuals who live or work in the Salem city limits are eligible to apply; however, the 2026 session is full. The next class will start in April 2027. Please check back. 

If you have any questions about the program, please call 503-588-6002.