Dover Police Department Accepting Applications for 2026 Citizen Police Academy

The Dover Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2026 Citizen Police Academy (CPA), an engaging and interactive program designed to provide community members with an in-depth look at modern policing and the operations of the Dover Police Department.

The Citizen Police Academy will meet each Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning September 9, 2026, and concluding on November 4, 2026. There is no cost to attend.

The program is designed to educate members of the community about police procedures, the challenges and responsibilities of law enforcement, and the many specialized functions within the department. Participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with Dover Police officers, ask questions, and gain a greater understanding of the work performed every day to keep the community safe.

Applicants do not have to be City of Dover residents to participate.

The Citizen Police Academy is built around three primary goals:

• Educate community members about Dover Police Department procedures and the realities of law enforcement.
• Provide citizens with the opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women who serve their community.
• Give Dover Police Department officers the opportunity to hear directly from the citizens they serve while building stronger community partnerships.

Throughout the academy, participants will receive a realistic behind-the-scenes look at the department through presentations, demonstrations, videos, and hands-on activities. Topics include:

• Meet the Chief / Question & Answer Session
• Community Policing
• Laws of Arrest
• Search and Seizure
• Emergency Communications (9-1-1 Center)
• Internal Affairs
• Criminal Investigations
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Forensics
• Patrol Operations
• Canine Unit
• Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Unit
• Special Operations Response Team (SORT)
• Use of Force Training
• Traffic Stops
• Public Information

In addition to classroom instruction, each participant will have the opportunity to complete a patrol ride-along with a Dover Police officer, providing firsthand insight into daily police operations.

Applications for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy must be submitted no later than Friday, August 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Space is limited, and applicants are encouraged to apply early at the following link: https://doverpolice.org/citizensacademy/

The Citizen Police Academy application is available at the bottom of the Dover Police Department Citizen Police Academy webpage.

For additional information, please contact the Dover Police Department Public Information Office.