Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy is a free, four-week program designed to introduce members of the community to the Las Cruces Police Department. The Citizens Academy is held once a year. Follow our socials (Facebook and Instagram) for information on when the next Citizens Academy will be held.
The Academy is designed to teach citizens about the philosophy, policies, and guiding principles of law enforcement and ethical conduct governing police services in our community.
Students will receive classroom instruction & scenario-based training exercises by personnel for topics including, but not limited to, Search and Seizure, Criminal Law, Use of Force, Human Performance, and Crisis Intervention Techniques. Some of the exercises may require light physical activity and induce stress.
During and after training is completed, students are given the opportunity to complete an eight-hour ride-along with a police officer. This ride-along is usually an eye-opening experience for many students as they get to see the real day-to-day activities of the police.
Requirements
Student Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants can not have any felony convictions. Applicants can not have any misdemeanor or D.W.I. arrests within the last three years prior to application date. Applicants must pass a background check conducted by the Las Cruces Police Department. It is preferred applicants be a resident of Las Cruces.
*Important: Please do not let these requirements keep you from applying. We do not automatically eliminate candidates from attending the Citizen’s Police Academy based on the above requirements. All applications are individually reviewed, and attendance decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Applications can be turned in at:
East Mesa Public Safety Complex
550 N Sonoma Ranch Boulevard
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday or from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
or
Las Cruces Police Department Main Station
217 E. Picacho Avenue
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday or from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.
*All applications are due by Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 by noon.
Session Information
First Session: 6-9 p.m. March 3, 2026
Last Session/Graduation: 6-9 p.m. March 26, 2026
Location: East Mesa Public Safety Complex 550 N. Sonoma Ranch Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
Phone: (575) 526-0795
Class Schedule: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Contact: Class Coordinator Officer Austin Arnold
Email: aarnold@clcstaging.lascruces.gov
Phone: (575) 528-4405 (Between hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)
Graduation: Upon successful completion of the Citizen’s Police Academy, participants attend a graduation ceremony and are awarded a certificate for completing the Citizen Police Academy.
