Community Police Academy

What is the Community Police Academy?

If you have ever wondered what it takes to operate a law enforcement agency, how we make critical decisions, how we spend taxpayer dollars, or just what it’s like to be an officer in Grand Junction, this class is for you.

The Grand Junction Community Police Academy is a free, fun, and informative 10-week program designed to provide citizens with comprehensive information about the operations of the Grand Junction Police Department, often not known by the public. It is our hope that the information provided will foster a relationship that will assist in a safer community and a more informed body of citizens.

The intent of the Community Police Academy (CPA) is to build partnerships with the residents of our great city and to provide robust and transparent information about how our agency operates.  We want to provide an opportunity for attendees to get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and learn how and why they make the decisions they do while performing their duties. 

The 2026 Community Police Academy will take place from February 26 through May 2. The 2026 CPA class is full.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY IS CLOSED.

What topics are covered?

This course combines classroom presentation, demonstration, and hands-on experiences on a variety of topics, including:

• Patrol Operations
• Body-worn cameras
• Sex offender tracking and registration
• Drug Task Force
• Community Resource Unit
• Bomb Squad
• Forensic investigations
• School Resource Officers
• SWAT
• Grand Junction Regional Communication Center
• And much, much more!

Who Can Attend?

Individuals who apply for the Community Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. Participants should prepare for physical activity, including extended periods of standing and walking as part of the program, which may occur in varying weather conditions, including heat and cold. Each applicant will undergo a criminal background check due to the sensitive nature of the access given to attendees. The class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited space available. 

How do I apply?

When applications are being accepted, simply fill out and submit the online Community Police Academy application. Be sure to review the Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement. If you prefer, you can request a paper application at the front counter of the Police Department at 555 Ute Avenue during business hours. Once the application is received and processed, you will receive follow-up communication regarding your status, and if admitted into the program, further information will follow.

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY IS CLOSED.