Citizens Academy

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Citizens' Academy Program

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Training Academy is pleased to provide those who live and work in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community an opportunity to learn more about the CMPD and our services to the community. Citizens can learn firsthand about police operations through a series of lectures, simulated activities, practical sessions and tours.

The Citizens' Academy program helps us at the CMPD build community relationships and create a cadre of citizens who are better informed about police work and our services to the community.

The 2026 Citizens’ Academy application process is now open. If you would like to receive updates on a future Citizens’ Academy or if you have any questions about the program, please call 704-621-0402 or email Program Manager Lauren Orosz. You must be 21 years old to apply.



Citizens' Academy Core Workshops(Sessions offered at the Training Academy.)
** The topics below are topics covered in previous years. This will be updated once our 2026 topic schedule is finalized

• Welcome - Program Overview, CMPD Serves, Core 4, Community Engagement & Crime Prevention--
• Police Attorney's Office - Constitutional Law Overview --
• Internal Affairs and Professional Standards --
• Defensive Tactics, Police Driving, Firearms Training (Range) --
• Traffic Enforcement --
• Investigations Bureau --
• Police HQ – RTCC, Communications / 911, Crime Scene Search and Property Control --
• Special Operations – Bomb, SWAT, K9, Helicopter --
• Recruitment & Recruit Training --

Citizens' Academy Elective Activities (one elective is required)

• Community Meeting
• Patrol Ride-Along

Citizens' Academy Graduation (6:30PM - 9:30PM)TBD


If you are interested in applying to become a police officer, please do not complete the forms on this page. Please contact our Recruiting Offices: