The Community Police Academy (CPA) is a free fourteen-week program designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Austin Police Department. Each session consists of weekly classes that meet at a designated location. The class curriculum is comprehensive, and different units within the department are covered each week. 

***Applications for the Fall 2025 session will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will close on Monday, July 7, 2025***

DISCLAIMER - This is not an application to become an Austin Police Officer. If you're interested in learning about becoming an officer visit the APD Recruiting Website.

APD patch logoThe Community Police Academy's slogan is “Understanding through Education.” The goal is to educate the public about the Austin Police Department and increase rapport between community members and police officers.

We hope the Community Police Academy graduates will complete the program with a better understanding of the Austin Police Department and will encourage others to participate in this rewarding program.

As of May 2025, 2,839 community members have graduated from 105 classes. The CPA has a fall and spring session each year. Please review the CPA session details below for FAQs, the upcoming CPA class, the application process, and more.

Community Police Academy Logo

CPA - Understanding Through Education

The Community Police Academy (CPA) was established in January 1987. It is a fourteen-week program designed to give class participants a working knowledge of the Austin Police Department.

The CPA is a unique opportunity for participants to learn more about law enforcement while fostering relationships between police officers and the community members they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of conducting a Community Police Academy?

To provide participants with information about departmental policies and procedures through a variety of unit presentations led by officers and/or civilian partners. To foster communication and trust while building relationships between police officers and their community.

When and where does the class meet?

  • The upcoming Fall 2025 class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
  • The class will meet most evenings at 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, Texas 78744.
  • Two class evenings will be held at alternate locations (see below).

Public transportation is accessible to class locations. Please visit www.capmetro.org/using-schedmap and www.capmetro.org/accessibility for more information.

Who attends the Community Police Academy?

Community members who live and/or work in Austin. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Citizenship is not required.

Disqualifiers 

To apply for the Community Police Academy, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age and live and/or work in the Austin area.
  • Be eligible. See disqualifiers.
  • Agree to a background check.
Fall 2025 Session Information

Class 106, Fall 2025, will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings, except one class that meets on a Monday. See the schedule below for more information.

  • Class schedule: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, through Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
  • Due to National Night Out on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, class will instead take place on Monday, October 6, 2025.
  • There will be no class the week of Thanksgiving.
  • Class Graduation is Friday, December 12, from 6–7:30 p.m.

Class location(s):

  • 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin TX 78754 (12 classes)
  • 5010 Manor Drive, Austin, TX, 78744 (1 class)
  • 4800 Shaw Lane, Austin, TX, 78744 (1 class)

Each participant is expected to attend all classes of the Community Police Academy. More than two absences may result in dismissal from class.

There are two Community Police Academy sessions per year (spring and fall sessions).

Application Details

If you have any questions, please email Surei.Scanlon@austintexas.gov

  • This class has 50 spots available and is first come, first served. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. The application will be closed once the class is filled.

  • DISCLAIMER - This is not an application to become an Austin Police Officer. If you're interested in learning about becoming an officer visit the APD Recruiting Website.

Applications for the Fall 2025 session will open on Monday, June 9, 2025, and will close on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Class Curriculum

Weeks 1-4
  • Meet the Chief
  • History of Policing in Austin
  • Perspectives of Racial Profiling
  • History of Racial Divides in Austin
  • Recruiting
  • Cadet Training
  • Internal Affairs
  • Special Investigative Unit
  • Combined Transportation Emergency and Communications Center (CTECC)
  • Public Information Office
  • Cybersecurity 
Weeks 5 - 9
  • Response to Resistance
  • Force Review Unit (FRU)
  • Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)
  • Critical Incidents
  • Domestic Violence Unit
  • Sex Crimes Unit
  • Gang Suppression Unit
  • Human Trafficking Unit
  • Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD)
  • K9 Unit
  • Burglary Unit
  • Air Operations 
Weeks 10-14
  • Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
  • Robbery Unit
  • Homicide Unit
  • Cold Case Unit
  • Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC)
  • Lone Star Fugitive Task Force
  • Real Time Crime Center (RTCC)
  • Mounted Patrol
  • Animal Cruelty
  • District Representatives
  • Police Activities League (PAL)
  • City of Austin Alarm Unit