Citizen's Academy 

What is the Citizens’ Academy?

The Centralia Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy was implemented in 1997 to promote positive relations between police and the community. The objective is to provide citizens with the opportunity to get an inside look at how your local police department operates.

The selected academy attendees meet once a week to learn about various operations of the department as well as the challenges that law enforcement face in today’s society. Officers and civilian personnel present on their specific areas of expertise.

Through education and interaction, the goal is to create a foundation of responsible well-informed individuals who have the potential of influencing public opinions about police practices and services. Academy participants will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement today. They will have the opportunity to offer comments, ideas and solutions to problems that we all share within the community.

Who may attend the academy?

Participants are selected from applicants who live, work or attend school in our community. We aim to have a well-rounded cross-section of our residents who have an interest in the police department. Selected applicants must be minimum 18 years of age, hold a valid driver’s license and pass a background check. We limit the number of academy attendees to ensure a beneficial experience.

What topics can you expect to be covered?

Some of the topics the academy may cover include:

• The history of the Centralia PD

• Officer selection and training

• Police equipment and cost

• Overview of crime in our area

• The traffic stop

• My worst/best day as a cop

• Drug enforcement

• What does a criminal look like?

• Criminal investigations

• SWAT operations

• Community Policing

• Observer ride along with an officer

• Tour Centralia Police Department, Lewis County Jail and 911 Dispatch Center

Completion of the Citizens’ Academy

Upon completion, graduates of the Citizens’ Academy will receive a certificate signed by the Chief of Police and will be recognized at a Centralia City Council meeting.

Many Citizens’ Academy graduates go on to help the Centralia Police Department as volunteers. Others may decide to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. 

How do I apply for the Citizens’ Academy?

The date of the next Citizen's Academy has not been scheduled yet. 

Questions? Call 360-330-7680