What is CPA?

The Coppell Citizen's Police Academy was created to build a bond of mutual trust and respect between the police department and the community. Police work is filled with many variables that require professional solutions.  The goal is to reduce perceived suspicions and misconceptions by establishing mutual trust and cooperation between police and the citizens of Coppell. 

Classroom presentations, lectures, and hands-on experience offer participants valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of the Police Department. 

Department employees receive direct feedback from members of each class.  This two-way communication between police officers and the community furthers the effort to improve the quality of life for our residential and business communities.

Learn More about CPA

The Citizen's Police Academy is a 11-week program that meets once a week from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm in the Coppell Police Department's training room.  At the end of the class, there is a graduation ceremony to congratulate the students.  To be eligible to participate, class members must be 18 years of age, with a good standing in the community, must pass a background investigation, and either reside or work in Coppell.  Class schedules and the associated curriculum are not finalized until the Academy is filled and the instructors for each topic have been chosen. 

Experienced police officers provide briefings, demonstrations, and engage in discussions about police operations with class participation.  Each week, different areas of law enforcement are covered.  This allows citizens to acquire a working knowledge of the activities that the Coppell Police Officers perform. 

Class members will have the opportunity for guided tours of Police Headquarters and Communications.  Participants are also given the opportunity to take part in "hands-on" training that is required for the training of new police recruits.  The "ride along" program allows students an insight into a day in the life of a Coppell police officer. 

Class Topics Include:

• Patrol
• Criminal Investigations
• Crime Scene Investigations
• Building Searches
• Crime Prevention
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Law
• Firearms
• Traffic Law & Procedures
• Special Weapons and Tactics
• School Resource Officer
• Communications
• Organized Crime Unit
• Jail Procedures

The January Class is now full

The Citizen's Police Academy class #17 is now full and not accepting any more applications.  Thank you to everyone that responded and expressed interest in the class. 

The January class will start on Thursday evening January 19, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30 in the Coppell Police Department's Training Room.  This is an 11 week course that will meet every Thursday evening from January 19 to April 5th.  The 12th class on Thursday April 12th is a graduation and family night.  

Check back to see how the students are progressing in the academy from week to week. 

For more information, contact Officer R.J. Harr at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . or 972-304-3625.

Citizens that successfully complete the Academy receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to join the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAC). Members of CPAC donate their valuable time and efforts in support of community and civic activities. Click here to view CPAC website.