Hampden Township Citizen Police Academy

2018 CPA
The Hampden Township Police Department will once again conduct its Citizens' Police Academy this fall. The Academy classes are conducted at the Police Department once a week for eight weeks from September through November. The course syllabus includes instruction and scenario based training on various aspects of law enforcement.

Objectives include:

  • An overview of the criminal justice system
  • DUI and its enforcement
  • Use of force and Special Emergency Team (SRT) applications
  • Patrol procedures, traffic stops, speed enforcement and officer safety
  • Criminal investigations
  • Forensics
  • Crimes Code discussion and the structure of laws.
  • The role of the County Prison, 911 Dispatchers, the Sheriff and the District Attorney.

Each week, the participants will engage in a classroom discussion of one of the topics followed by an activity related to the topic.

The following applies to application, entry and continued participation in the Citizens Police Academy:

  1. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older at the time of applying. Applicants under the age of 18 must have adult supervision.
  2. Applicants should be residents, business owners or work at a business in Hampden Township; preference given to Hampden Township residents.
  3. All applicants will be subject to a limited record check.
  4. Limited travel is required for some off-site locations so only properly licensed and insured drivers are accepted.
  5. The Chief of Police has final approval of all applications and reserves the right to deny entry to any applicant. Accepted applicants will be notified by phone or email.
  6. The Academy is free of charge to all members. Class size is limited to 20 (minimum of 12).
  7. Dress for class is casual.
  8. Qualified applicants who are denied admission due to class size constraints will be given preference when the next Academy session is scheduled. Applicants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.
  9. Most classes will be held at the Hampden Township Municipal Building located at 230 S. Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, Pa 17050.
  10. Classes will typically run from mid-September through mid-November.
  11. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Class cancellations due to weather, etc., will be posted on our website or via text on day of class.
  12. Attendees who miss more than 2 nights of classes will not be allowed to return.
  13. Continued participation in this program is at the discretion of the Department. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee access to the entire program.
  14. Attendees agree to allow their photographic images to be used for Department purposes.

For additional information, visit our Facebook page or look for the article in the Township's Newsletter.