Community Academy

The Denver Police Department provides our communities with an inside look of the department through a multi-week Community Academy. Our Community Academies are specifically designed to provide education, resources, and transparency.

The Community Academy is presented by DPD representatives, each highlighting their individual area of expertise. During the course of this academy, participants hear from department command officers, co-response teams, investigations, internal affairs, 911 communications, crime lab, and more.

The Community Academy will do its best to reflect current trends, themes, and topics, and will encourage thoughtful discussion on how police operate within the community.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and then are able to participate in two (2) “Ride-A-Longs” on patrol shifts. Participants are then invited to join the Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) Program.

Participants must be over 18 years of age, or 15 years of age with parental consent, and must pass a basic background check.

Community Academy

Additional dates coming soon.

Spanish Community Academy

The Denver Police Department recognizes the importance of connecting with all residents and in an effort to do just that, hosts a special Community Academy for our Spanish-speaking community.

Univision: Short video

  1. WHEN: TBD
    WHERE: TBD

Apply Today

Teen Community Academy

The Teen Community Academy is designed to familiarize teens with the “how/what/why” of police work and interact with active police officers. We work towards planning an engaging academy that reflects current trends, themes, and topics, and will encourage thoughtful discussion about police work within the community.

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 9am-4pm (lunch provided)
Where: Denver Police Training Facility (2155 N Akron Ct)

Ages: 13-18 years old
Application process will open May 1, 2025

Teens will get the opportunity to participate in discussions and see/listen to demonstrations about:

  • Police K-9's
  • Police Helicopter (Air One)
  • The investigative process
  • Arrest/search/seizure
  • Less-lethal weapons options
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Scenarios in the Virtra 300 Simulator

Officers and other experts assist with lectures and demonstrations. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and will be invited to join many of the available Denver Police Youth Programs.

Apply Today

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