Citizens Academy

The Citizens Academy is a free, eight-week community outreach program designed to provide citizens who live and work in the city a unique opportunity to learn more about the Greenville Police Department (GPD).

THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR THE 2023 FALL SESSION HAS ENDED. 


The academy features a classroom setting, with presentations by GPD personnel from multiple divisions, and a variety of learning experiences outside the classroom.

In addition to learning about the inner-workings of the department, participants also see what day-to-day life is like for officers and communications personnel by visiting the communications center and participating in a ride-along with an on-duty officer. 

Upon graduation, participants have the opportunity to join the GPD Citizens Academy Alumni Association. 

The Citizens Academy curriculum includes:

  • GPD structure and operations
  • Investigations
  • Police training simulator
  • Use of force
  • Vice and narcotics
  • Media relations
  • Traffic stops
  • Communications


Citizens Academy Information

All participants:

  • Must be at least 21 
  • Must live and/or work in the city of Greenville (check your address here)
  • Must attend a minimum of 7 of the 8 classroom sessions

Individuals are ineligible to participate if any of the following apply:

  • Pending arrest or conviction for any offense
  • Any felony arrest within the past 10 years
  • Any misdemeanor arrest within the past 5 years
  • Under investigation by any law enforcement agency
  • Intentional deception on arrest record or failure to report an arrest in this application
  • Denied employment by this agency and ineligible to reapply
  • Terminated by this agency or resigned to avoid disciplinary action
  • Previously rejected from the Citizens Academy due to failure to disclose arrest record or other untruthful information on application
  • Does not possess a valid, government-issued identification
  • Member of any organization or participates in any organization deemed by the Police Chief to be subversive to the department or the policing profession
  • Is or has been party to a civil lawsuit against the City of Greenville, the Greenville Police Department, and/or any current employees of the City of Greenville
  • Delinquent in the payment of court-mandated child support
  • Appears unable to exhibit sound judgment

The Police Chief or his designee retains the right to allow or deny participation by anyone in this program at his/her discretion, with or without cause or explanation.