Community Police Academy

Community Police Academy logo

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in law enforcement?

Then our Community Police Academy is for you!


The Kirkland Police Department invites Kirkland residents and business owners to participate in its annual Community Police Academy - a dynamic, 7-week series that gives participants a firsthand look at the inner-workings of the KPD. It's also a great opportunity to get to know your law enforcement professionals!

The 2023 Kirkland Community Police Academy begins October 4 through November 15

Register Here

2023 Class Information

The class will be limited to 18 participants to ensure an enriching experience.

Classes are held every Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm beginning on October 4 and running through November 15.

  • Due to limited space in Kirkland Community Police Academy, participants must be able to commit to attending each class in the 7-week program.

  • Participants must be at least 21 years of age, must live or work in Kirkland and have no prior felony convictions.

  • There is no cost to academy participants.

Curriculum

The Community Police Academy is a fascinating, 7-week program designed to give Kirkland community members and business owners a working knowledge of the Kirkland Police Department. The instruction is comprehensive and captivating. Each week focuses on a different area of the department, including:

  • New Laws Update
  • Mental Health Program
  • Community Resource Officer Program
  • De-Escalation
  • Use of Force
  • SWAT
  • Less Lethal
  • Investigations
  • Pro-Act
  • Traffic
  • Evidence
  • K9

The academy is taught by Kirkland police officers and other department personnel, each showcasing their individual areas of expertise. The instruction typically combines in-class lectures with hands-on activities including exhilarating live training simulations and the opportunity to investigate a mock “crime scene.”

Objectives

  • To provide an opportunity for educating and building positive police relations with community members on an on-going basis; to promote community-Kirkland Police cooperation, understanding, and goodwill.

  • To gain support for police and to encourage community members to partner with law enforcement to assist in making our community a safer place to live.

  • To offer community members a better understanding of police functions, how policies are developed, the decision-making process, and what an officer experiences on a day to day basis.

  • To address community member concerns and perceptions about police officers.

Participant Requirements

Community Police Academy participants must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Live or work in Kirkland
  • Have no prior felony convictions
  • Commit to attending class each week of the 7-week program 

Participant Selection Process

Community Police Academy participants are selected by an application review and routine records check.

Participants must register to apply for the program first (this does not mean they're in the class yet), then they will receive information about an online application to complete the submission process. This includes a background check.

Community members will be notified of acceptance by phone or email. 

Deadline to apply is 12 p.m. on Monday, September 25!

Graduation

The program will wrap up with an official graduation ceremony.

Community Police Academy participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion signed by Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris.

The Community Police Academy is a one-of-a-kind experience that attendees find infinitely rewarding. Your new knowledge and understanding of law enforcement and the level of honor and commitment behind the badge will remain with you forever!