Citizen's Police Academy

Citizen's Police Academy
The role of police officer has always been of interest to the average citizen. The television media has capitalized upon this curiosity with shows such as "Cops," and "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol." Some police agencies have benefited from the curiosity that citizens have about the police. The creation of the Deer Park Citizens' Police Academy has allowed citizens to become more educated about their local police and get a taste of what police work is all about. Citizens gain an insider's knowledge of the police agency, enabling them to make informed decisions on issues affecting the police and the community. The program also helps citizens and police officers receive insight into the views held by each other about policing.

Apply Now

Applications are currently being accepted for the free Deer Park Citizen's Police Academy. The Citizen's Police Academy (CPA) is a wonderful program for our community, increasing understanding and cooperation between the police and citizens through education. This education, along with the relationship established with members of the Deer Park Police Department, assists in achieving the ultimate goal of the CPA, the reduction of crime through a stronger citizen commitment to the police department and the community.

If you are interested in participating, are 18 years of age or older, live or work in Deer Park and have no criminal history (felonies or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude), complete the Citizen's Police Academy Application. Any questions contact Community Liaison Sheila Plovanich at the Deer Park Police Department at 281-930-2118.

Completed applications can be faxed to 281-478-5717. Please include a photocopy of your driver's license or state ID card.

About the CPA Program

The CPA consists of a series of three hour weekly blocks of instruction over topics ranging from the organizational structure of the Police Department, to SWAT call-outs and demonstrations, including a ride-along with a police officer on patrol, and building searches. Participants experience an abbreviated look at the training our officers receive in order to become certified Texas Peace Officers, and graduate with a greater respect for the job the officers do as they put their lives on the line to keep our community safe. The CPA has received rave reviews from the over 275 Citizens that have attended.

Graduates have the opportunity to join the Deer Park Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association.  The Alumni Association is a volunteer organization that assists the Police Department. Volunteer programs for the Alumni Association are: assisting in clearing warrants, Handicap Parking Enforcement, Park Patrol, Volunteer Victim's Assistance, Peace Officers Memorial, traffic control for parades, numerous clerical duties inside the department and much more.  

About the Handicap Parking Program

The Deer Park Police Department has implemented a Citizen Handicap Parking Enforcement Program under City of Deer Park Code of Ordinances 66-91 (9) c. that will allow for citizens to be trained and sworn in to assist with enforcing parking in handicap zones.

About the Park Patrol Program

The police department regularly receives calls for service directed toward unsafe activities in the parks, such as vehicles driving the park, homeless persons sleeping in the parks, suspicious persons and/or suspicious activities. The object of the Deer Park Citizens on Park Patrol program is to provide more eyes and ears in the parks and neighborhood streets observing and reporting crime and/or suspicious activity. Volunteers also note and report other issues observed such as street light outages, overgrown lots, and park equipment in need of repair. In order to volunteer for this program, participants must submit an application to the Community Liaison and complete a 3 hour training class.

Anyone who is interested in participating in this program can complete a volunteer application at the Deer Park Police Department, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please feel free to Email Sheila Plovanich 281-930-2118.