Citizens Police Academy

It began as a simple concept, to bridge the gap between the public and law  enforcement.  The challenge was how?  The answer came from across the ocean.  Developed in 1977 by the Devon and Cornwall, England, Constabulary.  It was originally called Police Night School.   A revolutionary concept in law enforcement that would help to develop citizen awareness and improve their understanding of police functions.  In 1985, the Orlando, Florida Police Department adopted the concept of the Police Night School for their agency and created the first Citizen Police Academy in the United States.

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) began in Honolulu in 1994. The Citizens Police Academy is an interactive program, designed to educate the public about the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Its policies and operational procedures, the criminal justice system, and ways to reduce crime.

The CPA allows members of the HPD and citizens of the City and County of Honolulu to meet, share ideas and information, and interact in a very positive and proactive setting.

12 weeks of courses designed to familiarize participants with the many different aspects of police work. Participants who graduate the CPA will be better-informed citizens who will be able to share their education and experiences with family, friends, and co-workers.

Graduates of the CPA represent a diverse cross section of our community. Personnel from the Department of Education, businesspersons, retired persons, media personnel, government representatives, community officials as well as the general public have attended CPA. 

If you would like more on the CPA contact the Community Affairs Division at 529-3351.

"Promoting Understanding Through Education"

"Building Partnerships"