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1. What is the Citizen Police Academy?

The Lodi Police Department's Citizen Police Academy is a program that is designed to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the values, goals, and operations of the City of Lodi Police Department. The objective of the Academy is to improve the lines of communication and help build a positive relationship between the Lodi Police Department and the community members we serve. This experience will afford citizens an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their police department while allowing police to continue our mission of community engagement.

The Lodi Police Department believes that by working together with the public, we are better able to solve problems that face our community and ultimately improve the quality of life in the City of Lodi. This course is not intended for those wishing to explore or pursue a career in law enforcement, as it is by design, a program that only offers an overview of general police duties, responsibilities, and operations.

2. When and where does the academy meet?

The Academy consists of 9 three-hour sessions conducted on a weekly basis. Classes will take place every Wednesday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Academy will be held at:
Lodi Police Department Community Room
215 W Elm Street
Lodi, CA 95240

3. Is there a cost to attend the Citizen Police Academy?

There is no cost to attend the program.

4. What topics are covered in the Citizen Police Academy?

During the Academy, citizens will be exposed to subject matter relating to the duties and responsibilities of police officers. The Academy will be instructed by police officers and supervisors from the Lodi Police Department with expertise in various areas of law enforcement. Topics will include:

• A basic overview of the law affecting citizen's rights
• Crime scene investigation
• Crisis negotiations
• Drugs and gangs
• Driving under the influence (DUI) and traffic enforcement
• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD)
• Firearms
• K-9s
• Officer involved shootings and use of force decision-making
• SWAT

Academy participants will also be given the opportunity to go on a ride-along with a Lodi police officer. Academy topics may be subject to change from year to year.

5. How does the Citizen Police Academy help the Lodi Police Department?

During classes, participants are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback concerning the operations of the Lodi Police Department. Additionally, citizens bring a wealth of knowledge about their community, particularly the problems unique to their neighborhoods. In this way, members of the Department learn firsthand of the concerns of its citizens by interacting with them in a positive, non-confrontational setting. 

It is our sincere hope that the well-informed graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and providing solutions to quality of life issues that face our community.

6. Who can attend the Citizen Police Academy?

The program is open to residents of or those who work in the City of Lodi who are at least 18 years of age and have an interested in learning about their police department. Applicants should also:

• Have no felony arrests or convictions (includes criminal traffic offenses)
• Have no misdemeanor arrests in the last 3 years
• Completed an application and waiver of liability by the deadline.
• Be willing to submit to a background check

7. How do I apply?

Applicants must print and complete the application (PDF). The application must be mailed to the Coordinator whose name and address appears at the bottom of the application or dropped off at the Lodi Police Department (215 West Elm Street). Applications and waivers will be accepted until the established deadline.

Applications and waivers received after the deadline will not be considered.  Any applications and waivers that are submitted by email will not be accepted. No confirmation of receipt will be provided to the applicant.

8. How are applications screened?

Once the deadline has passed, all applications will be reviewed to help establish a pool of diverse candidates. A background check will be conducted to eliminate those applicants with a criminal record. The remaining applicants will then be evaluated to establish the final group that will comprise the Citizen Police Academy.  

The criteria for screening applicants will include (but not be limited to):

• City geographical areas (districts)/distribution of neighborhoods
• Diversity to reflect the community we serve (i.e, gender, race, age)
• Information obtained from background investigation
• Review of application

The Academy screening process may take up to six weeks to complete after the application and waiver submission deadline. All applicants will receive a letter from the Coordinator advising them of the outcome of their application process.

9. What happens if I'm accepted to the Citizen Police Academy?

The maximum class size for the Citizen Police Academy is generally limited to 20 candidates. All accepted candidates will be contacted and provided more specific information regarding the Academy. 

The candidates must commit to attending all of the sessions. It is understood that emergencies may arise, but candidates must contact the Coordinator to inform her/him of the need to miss the session and provide a reason. Unexcused or numerous absences may result in dismissal from the Academy.