Minimum age to attend the class is 16 years old (with parents' permission). ***
Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to have a parent/guardian sign a release/permission form on the first night of class. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, but will not be required after the first night of class.

What is the Smyrna Citizens' Police Academy?

Police Departments across the nation have adopted the "Community Policing" philosophy. Locally, the Smyrna Police Department has implemented different ways of working more closely with citizens on problem-solving in the community.

The Citizens Police Academy will provide participants with an opportunity to gain a broad perspective of the police profession. The Eight-week Academy is designed to give citizens an overview of the department's functions and procedures, while providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns relating to the community. However, be aware the Academy is not designed to train the participants to perform any law enforcement services.

Applications

Registration for the 2025 CPA is now open and classes are free. Classes will be taught by department personnel and guest instructors. Participants are encouraged to express ideas, concerns, and questions about any aspect of the department's operations.

ℹ️ Contact FTO. Beverly by email at jonathan.beverly@townofsmyrna.org or call (615) 459-6644.

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  Print the Citizens' Police Academy Application (PDF)
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  Click here for the Online Application

Some of the topics covered in the Academy:

• History of Law Enforcement
• Communications
• Patrol
• Traffic Enforcement
• Judicial System
• Fire & Safety Equipment
• Defense Tactics
• Tactical Operations
• Gangs
• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• Criminal Investigations
• Narcotics
• K-9 Operations
• S.W.A.T. Operations

Disclaimer - Please Read

The "Academy" does not train participants to perform any law enforcement or public safety services; nor is there any law enforcement or public safety empowerment implied or assigned by the Town of Smyrna or the State of Tennessee to participants in the program.

Background investigations will be done on all applicants. Potential candidates must also meet the following criteria:

• Live or work in the Town of Smyrna, or have a vested interest in the growth, development or cultural well-being of the community.
• No felony convictions.
• No convictions for DUI, any drug offense, or any offense involving moral turpitude.
• No history of mental illness.
• Applicants must be approved by the Chief of Police. Notifications of acceptance will be sent via email.