Our Citizens Police Academies provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement. Our academies will acquaint community members with the police department’s role in the criminal justice system and will provide an increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work. Academies meet once a week for approximately eight weeks and are designed to give attendees an overview of the police department’s functional and operational procedures. Upon successful completion of the academy, students will be honored at a graduation ceremony.
The 55+ Silver Stars Citizens Police Academy begins annually in April and meets at the Thornton Active Adult Center at 11181 Colorado Boulevard on Wednesday mornings.
The Citizens Police Academy begins annually in September and meets at the Thornton Police Department at 9551 Civic Center Drive on Wednesday evenings. This academy includes physical skills days with defensive tactics, emergency driving and firearms range training.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a community member who lives or works in the City of Thornton
- Must be able to participate in a vast majority of the classes
- Must not have been convicted of any major criminal offenses
- Must be 18 years old for Citizens Police Academy
- Must be 55 years old for Silver Stars Citizens Police Academy
Academy Curriculum
- Patrol, Administration and Criminal Investigations Division Overviews
- Criminal Investigations
- Crime Scene Evidence and Processing
- Community Engagement
- Emergency Vehicle Operation*
- Police Records
- Emergency Dispatch
- Police Training Facility Tour
- Defensive Tactics*
- Co-Responders
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- Professional Standards
- Firearms Training*
- Youth Services Team
- Victim Services
- Traffic Team and DUI Investigation
-
K-9 Demonstrations
*These classes are only in the Citizens Police Academy.