Citizens Police Academy

What is the Citizens Police Academy?

The Citizens Police Academy is an 11-week program designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the Livingston Police Department and a working knowledge of what law enforcement entails. The classes are held once a week and are approximately 2 hours in duration. The classes will be limited to 20 students, so register early! There is no cost for residents to participate. Participants will also receive a Citizens Police Academy polo shirt to wear to class.

Several demonstrations will take place during the academy, in which attendees will be allowed to participate.

The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony and each participant will receive a certificate of completion. The next Citizens Police Academy will take place beginning September 7, 2023.

Why Participate?

The Livingston Police Department follows the philosophy of Community Policing and is committed to developing partnerships with citizens of the Township. The Citizens Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to develop direct lines of communication with the police department. 

The citizens participating in the academy will gain a working knowledge of the Livingston Police Department and its functions. We hope that the program will strengthen police-community rapport through an educational process, increase understanding of police practices and procedures, and dispose of misconceptions. The police department, in turn, becomes more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves.

Who Can Attend?

Participants must be at least 21 years of age and reside or work in the Township of Livingston. They must be of good moral character. There will be a criminal history conducted on each applicant prior to acceptance into the academy. An application for the academy must be completed and signed along with a waiver of liability. You will be notified when you are accepted into the Citizens Police Academy.

What the Academy is Not

The Citizens Police Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers. The participation and completion of the academy is designed to develop partnerships with the community. Graduating from the academy does not grant police authority to participants.

Attendance

You are expected to attend all sessions in order to graduate. We understand that emergencies do occur. If you have more than two absences, you may not be allowed to graduate. Out of courtesy to the instructor(s) and your fellow students, please arrive on time.

Application

If you are interested in applying for the Citizens Police Academy, you can complete the Citizens Police Academy Application (PDF) and print it online.

Please return all applications to the Livingston Police Department, 333 S. Livingston Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039, Attention: Citizens Police Academy or electronically to jklapal@livngstonnj.org. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the Citizens Police Academy approximately two weeks prior to the class starting.

Deadline for applications is July 28, 2023.


View Citizens Police Academy brochure (PDF).