Events

What is the Citizens Police Academy
The Van Alstyne Citizen Police Academy focuses attention on the internal values, philosophy, and operations of the Van Alstyne Police Department. The Citizens Police Academy educates citizens about the duties and responsibilities of the police department as well as policies and procedures of the police department.
Students are encouraged to share this realistic view of the department with other citizens to improve the efficiency of Law Enforcement in their neighborhoods.

What topics are covered?  

The curriculum is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the operational dynamics of the Van Alstyne police department, which include patrol philosophy, use of force, shoot-don’t shoot programs,
criminal investigations, narcotics, D.W.I.’s, traffic laws, and etc. There will also be guest speakers from other various agencies that will enlighten on their perspective fields such as D.P.S, Dept. of Human Resources
(child abuse, elder abuse, etc.), Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission, and many more.

Where does the Academy meet?  

The Citizens Police Academy meets once a week on Thursdays 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for 13 weeks. The Citizens Police Academy meets at the Van Alstyne Community Center. The Citizens Police Academy is held once a year, beginning in February.  

What is the cost to attend the Citizens Police Academy?  

There is no cost to attend the academy, but substantial time commitment is required from the student. All handouts, notebooks, and other material is the students to keep.  

Who may attend the Academy?  

Any citizen who lives or works in the City of Van Alstyne is eligible to attend the academy. Each class is
limited to 30 students and participants are chosen to ensure a broad community representation so everyone might develop an informed understanding of the effects that social, cultural, educational and economic institutions have on our city.  Each student also must pass a background check and is a credible and
respected individual in the community.  

How do I apply? 

Easy, just click here and print out an application.