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Citizens Police Academy

2026 Academy

September 9 through October 28, 2026
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is designed to give members of the community an opportunity to learn more about the Bethlehem Police Department.  It's also an excellent opportunity for officers and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and address community concerns and problems.


Apply now


Have Questions About the Police Department?

  • Have you ever wondered how police officers perform their different duties?
  • Have you ever wanted to talk to a police officer about their experience serving your community?
  • How do you become a Police Officer and what does it take?
  • What training does an Officer have to go through?
  • Curious about the size of the Department, how many calls for service officers respond to each year, or how arrests are investigated and processed?

If these questions interest you and you’d like to learn more about modern policing in Bethlehem, consider attending the next City of Bethlehem Citizens Police Academy.

The Citizens Police Academy provides an opportunity to meet police officers, communications specialists, and other department personnel who serve the Bethlehem community. The intent of the Citizens Police Academy is not to train citizens to become Police Officers. Instead, participants gain firsthand insight into the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of modern law enforcement.

Topics Include

  • Community Policing
  • Defensive Tactics
  • Crime Scene Investigations
  • Recruiting and Hiring Processes
  • Mounted Operations
  • Traffic Investigations
  • Juvenile Law
  • K-9 Operations
  • Officer Safety
  • Use of Force
  • Firearms
  • Patrol
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Vice Investigations

Who Will Teach the Classes?

Police officers with diverse backgrounds, specialized training, and extensive experience will serve as instructors. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, discuss issues, and take part in selected hands-on activities that demonstrate the work officers perform every day.

Goal of the Citizens Police Academy

The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to strengthen the partnership between the Bethlehem Police Department and the community through education, communication, and mutual understanding.

How Do I Sign Up for the Academy?

Interested in participating? Complete an application using the link above. Space is limited and classes fill quickly. Participants must be at least 18 years old, or 16–17 years old when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.


Rules and Regulations

Purpose
The Bethlehem Police Department Citizens Police Academy is designed to give citizens the opportunity to learn about the Bethlehem Police Department and its operations and to demonstrate the benefits of law enforcement and community policing in our community. The Citizens Police Academy also gives our department an opportunity to interact with the community and solicit their feedback and ideas through discussion of relevant issues. Through this eight-week academy course, the Bethlehem Police Department seeks to provide participants with a greater understanding of the functions, responsibilities, and challenges associated with providing law enforcement services in the City of Bethlehem.

Program Explanation
The Citizens Police Academy includes:

  1. A structured atmosphere
  2. A wide variety of classroom instruction and interaction
  3. Exciting hands-on training
  4. A number of demonstrations and a graduation ceremony

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old may participate if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. To graduate, you will need to attend 7 of the 8 sessions of the academy.

Academy Schedule
The 2026 Citizens Police Academy will run for eight consecutive Wednesdays. Each session will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at approximately 8:30 p.m. Classes will be held at the Bethlehem Police Department unless otherwise directed to an off-site location.

Academy Rules
The purpose of these rules is to establish a code of conduct and general requirements to ensure an informative, enjoyable, and professional experience for all participants.

  1. Attendance and Punctuality
    Due to the limited duration of the program, participants may not miss more than one class and remain eligible for graduation unless the absence is excused by Academy staff. Punctuality is essential. Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class and be seated at class time.
  2. Conduct
    Please remember that the Academy is intended for the benefit of all who attend. Participants should arrive to class prepared to contribute to the discussion and other activities. Students shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times and be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others in the class. Participants shall treat instructors, staff, and fellow participants with courtesy and respect at all times. Disruptive, argumentative, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. There will be an opportunity to critique the class and the instructors at the conclusion of the academy.
  3. Dress Code
    Each participant shall be neatly dressed. The guidelines are as follows:
    • A shirt or blouse that is free of offensive language, images, or graphics.
    • A pair of jeans or similar pants in good repair.
    • Sneakers or shoes in good repair. Participants may be required to wear closed-toe footwear during practical exercises.
    • No hats will be permitted in the classroom.
  4. Smoking
    Smoking is not permitted in the building.
  5. Cell Phones
    Cell phones must be placed on silent or vibrate mode while in the classroom and may only be used during breaks or in the event of an emergency.
  6. Discipline and Removal
    In the event a participant’s conduct is disruptive to the class or he or she violates the rules, the individual may be terminated from the program. Respectful conduct toward instructors, staff, and fellow participants is required at all times.
  7. Eating and Drinking
    Refreshments will be allowed in the classroom.
  8. Waiver
    All participants must sign a liability waiver prior to participating in Academy activities. Waivers will be distributed at the beginning of the first class.
  9. Photography and Social Media
    Participants may not photograph, record, or distribute any materials, demonstrations, or information designated as confidential by Academy staff without prior authorization.