Graduating class members from previous academy pose in front of East Mesa Public Safety Complex.
The Citizens Police Academy is a tuition free, four-week program designed to introduce members of the community to the Las Cruces Police Department. The next class is scheduled to begin on February 18, 2025. There is room for 20 students.
The Academy is designed to teach citizens about the philosophy, policies, and guiding principles of law enforcement and ethical conduct governing police services in our community.
Students will receive classroom instruction & scenario-based training exercises by personnel for topics including, but not limited to, Search & Seizure, Criminal Law, Use of Force, Human Performance, and Crisis Intervention Techniques. Some of the exercises may require light physical activity and induce stress.
During and after training is completed, students are given the opportunity to complete an eight-hour ride-along with a police officer. This ride-along is usually an eye-opening experience for many students as they get to see the real day-to-day activities of the police.
Student Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants can not have any felony convictions. Applicants can not have any misdemeanor or D.W.I. arrests within the last three years prior to application date. Applicants must pass a background check conducted by the Las Cruces Police Department. It is preferred applicants be a resident of Las Cruces.
2025 CITIZENS ACADEMY APPLICATION
Download, complete and turn in to either address below, in-person due to sensitive information needed for background check.
*Important: Please do not let these requirements keep you from applying. We do not automatically eliminate candidates from attending the Citizen’s Police Academy based on the above requirements. All applications are individually reviewed, and attendance decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Applications can be turned in at the East Mesa Public Safety Complex (550 N Sonoma Ranch Boulevard) or the Las Cruces Police Department main station (217 E. Picacho Avenue) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday or from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
*All applications are due by Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 by noon.
First Session: February 18, 2025 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Last Session/Graduation: March 13, 2025 from 6 – 9 p.m.
Location: East Mesa Public Safety Complex 550 N. Sonoma Ranch Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
Phone: (575) 526-0795
Class Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 – 9 p.m.
Contact: Class Coordinator Officer Austin Arnold
Email: aarnold@lascruces.gov
Phone: (575) 528-4405 (Between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)
Graduation: Upon successful completion of the Citizen’s Police Academy, participants attend a graduation ceremony and are awarded a certificate for completing the Citizen Police Academy.
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