Citizens Police Academy

"I am constantly recommending the CPA to all of my neighbors."

Register now for our fall 2025 session! Classes meet Thursdays, 6-9 pm, September 4 to November 13.

What is the Citizens Police Academy?

The Citizens Police Academy is a 11-week program sponsored by Shaker’s Police Department, open to Shaker Heights residents and those who work in the City full-time. Throughy weekly sessions, the course is intended to raise citizen awareness of police procedures and programs. Students are provided with all necessary materials and there is no fee for the course.

The course is conducted by Shaker Heights police officers. Classroom lectures and field visits help participants better understand the pressures, complexities, and operations of police work. Class size is limited to approximately 18 students to ensure an active dialogue with the police officers.

Participating in the program will provide a better understanding of the following:

  • How the Police Department works
  • How the Police Department and the Municipal Court serve the public
  • See the Police Department in action
  • Ride along in a police cruiser on patrol
  • Review crime scene procedures
  • Gain exposure to special tools
  • Learn and experience firing range procedures and gun safety
  • Learn about the K-9 Unit
  • Learn about the Laws of Arrest
  • Learn about drugs and their impact on crime
  • Learn about impaired driving and its effects
  • Learn about the response to threats continuum
  • Learn about the work of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
  • Learn about Community Policing
  • Participate in Citizens Police Academy Graduation Ceremony

For further information, call Alyssa Kastanis at 216-491-1248.

Who Can Join

Those who live or work full-time in Shaker Heights may apply. Applicants must be age 20 or over, with no violent felony convictions. In addition, applicants may not have been arrested for misdemeanor offenses within 2 years of application. Background checks are run on all applicants. Those under 21 will be restricted from participating in certain aspects of the curriculum.

Since 1995, there have been more than 2 dozen classes with more than 400 graduates. The classes are diverse in age, race, gender, and profession.

How to Apply

Register now for our fall 2025 session! Classes meet Thursdays, 6-9 pm, September 4 to November 13.

You may sign up to receive updates about future programs by contacting Alyssa Kastanis at 216-491-1248 or by email.

Testimonials

Recent praise from CPA graduates:

"I’ve lived in Shaker all my life, but I learned more about Shaker Heights during the academy than I did my entire life. The time spent in the program was very valuable for a Shaker resident." 

"I was surprised by the depth of instruction. Would recommend to anyone."

 "I can't say there was one topic or class that stuck out as the favorite – I loved every single one of them."

 "I am constantly recommending the CPA to all of my neighbors."

 “My ride-along with an officer was the highlight. He explained so much and answered my questions with great detail.”

“I learned a ton and gained new appreciation for the job that our police department does.”