Citizen Police Academy
What is the Community Police Academy (CPA)?
The Bowling Green Police Department Community Police Academy (CPA) provides an opportunity to learn first-hand about police operations. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations, interactive presentations, and simulated activities, participants become better informed about the reality of police work and policing in our community. Class participants experience:
- Advanced Crime Scene Processing with demonstrations,
- a police ride-a-long,
- mock traffic stops and driving a cruiser
- the Critical Response Team (SWAT) and hostage negotiations,
- Specialized Units (K-9, police motorcycle officers, Detectives, undercover drug operatives,
- visit the police firing range and fire police weapons (optional),
- and much much more.
Who is qualified to attend?
Must be either a Bowling Green/Warren County resident, work in Bowling Green, business owner, or employed in the City of Bowling Green. Must pass a criminal history background check and be at least 18 years of age.
Course Description
The ten-week program of instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of policing each week. certified officers and supervisors with particular expertise will conduct each topic. The classes meet one night per week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Classes are limited to 24 citizen attendees.
Who may attend the Citizen Police Academy?
- Any interested citizen who resides or works in Bowling Green or Warren County is encouraged to attend. Citizens involved in youth activities, neighborhood watch or neighborhood associations are very important to the Citizen Police Academy.
- Citizens 18 years of age or older.
- Citizens with no prior felony convictions.
Who is qualified to attend?
Must be either a Bowling Green/Warren County resident, business owner, or employed in the City of Bowling Green. Must pass a criminal history background check and be at least 18 years of age
Who will be Instructing the CPA?
Bowling Green Police Department and/or other Criminal Justice personnel.
Course Description
The ten week program of instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of policing each week. certified officers, supervisors, and civilian instructors with particular expertise will conduct each topic. The classes meet one night per week from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes are limited to 24 citizen attendees.
Academy Curriculum
- Overview of Department Operations and Organizations
- Criminal Justice System
- Patrol Operations
- Communications and the processing of calls for service
- Firearms Training
- K-9 Demonstration / Traffic Stops
- Criminal Investigations/Crime Scene Processing and Investigation
Class Schedule
Below is the schedule for the upcoming Citizen Police Academy. Classes will meet one day a week:
| Class |
Beginning Date |
Day of the Week |
| Spring 2025 |
March 4, 2025 |
Tuesday |
| Fall 2025 |
September 9, 2025 |
Tuesday |
Our classes follow the Bowling Green City Schools calendar and will not meet the week of fall or spring break.
How do I apply for the Bowling Green Police Community Police Academy?
If you would like to apply for the Community Police Academy, please fill out and return the form below. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible with more details. Completed forms may be emailed to ronnie.ward@bgky.org r delivered in person to the Bowling Green Police Department.
Citizen Police Academy (Application)