Citizen Academy

  • The next available Citizen Academy is scheduled to take place from September 3 to December 10, 2024.  The academy is held on consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 15 weeks.  The academy is held at the Public Safety Training Academy located at 8751 Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg.

  • Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note that the class is very popular and with a class limit of 40 participants, the class can fill up fast.

  • Once a session is full, all other applications will be held for potential enrollment in future Citizen Academy classes.

Apply Here

What is the Citizen Academy?

The Citizen Academy has been in existence since 1994 and serves to increase resident awareness of the function of the police department. Participants will learn about topics relative to the role of the police officer in their community. During a 15-week academy, residents are instructed on such topics as criminal law, Maryland traffic law, and investigations. Participants are required to attend 12 of the 15 classes to be eligible for graduation. There is often a waiting list to accommodate participant requests.

Classes are offered one night a week from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. for 15 consecutive weeks. Three sessions are offered per year.

Who can apply?

The Citizen Academy is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who either lives or works in Montgomery County. All applicants will be subjected to a background check.

What is the cost?

Free! The only cost to participants is their time.

What topics will be covered in the academy?

  • Canine Demonstration
  • Collision Reconstruction Unit
  • Conflict Negotiations
  • Crime Lab
  • Crime Prevention
  • Criminal Law/Search & Seizure
  • Drug Investigation/CDS Identification
  • DUI/Underage Drinking
  • Emergency Communications Center
  • Emergency Response Team
  • Firearm Safety
  • Forensic Services
  • Gangs
  • Internal Affairs Division
  • Major Crimes
  • Maryland Traffic Law
  • Scams and Fraud

The Academy also offers optional classes/tours including: CPR Class, Detention Center

Students are also encouraged to participate in the Department’s Ride-Along Program.

Contact Us

Public Safety Training Academy
8751 Snouffer School Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

Sergeant John Mullaney
Phone: 240-773-6910
[email protected]

Citizen Academy Alumni Association