Community Police Academy

When is the next class?

Unfortunately, the 2020 Community Police Academy was cancelled part-way through in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information regarding the 2021 class will be posted when it becomes available.  Classes usually start in February and run for 12 weeks.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook to get a jump on submitting an application.  Class size is limited to 20 students.

What is the Community Police Academy all about?

The Bainbridge Island Police Department’s Community Police Academy was founded in 2004. The goal of the program is to foster a better understanding of police work through education, and to improve communication between the residents of Bainbridge Island and the officers who serve them. The intent of the program is not to produce civilians trained in law enforcement, but to help island residents and business owners become more familiar with the workings of their local police department and become better acquainted with its officers. What the department gains in goodwill cannot compare to the benefits community members gain by knowing more about the men and women who serve them.

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Program Details

The 12-week course is offered once a year and usually runs from February through April.  Each class involves three hours of training from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings and one Saturday class. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

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What to Expect

Participants are presented with frank and candid explanations of how the units in the department function and have an opportunity to ask questions of guest speakers. There are no tests to pass and no educational credits earned, but participants gain a better understanding of the department’s decision-making processes, how and why policies are created, and have an opportunity to learn about the kinds of situations officers face every day. Most importantly, participants can determine more accurately how effective the department is in serving the community. Some of the topics covered include traffic enforcement, narcotics, investigations, criminal law, defensive tactics, and identity theft. Participants will also have an opportunity to ride with an on-duty patrol officer, and take tours of the 911 dispatch center, Kitsap County Coroner’s Office, and Kitsap County Jail.

Watch a video from the 2015 class that may help illustrate what to expect!

Mock standoff between hooded figure with toy gun and woman in a Police SUV.