30 Graduate From LVMPD Citizens’ Police Academy as Applications Open

30 Graduate From LVMPD Citizens’ Police Academy as Applications Open for Next Class

Participants completed a 12-week program covering patrol operations, constitutional law, homicide investigations, SWAT, K-9 operations, counterterrorism and other areas of Southern Nevada policing.

LAS VEGAS — Thirty Southern Nevada community members have graduated from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy after completing a 12-week program offering a closer look at the work of officers, investigators and specialized police units.

LVMPD announced the graduation of Citizens’ Police Academy Class 02-2026 in a social media post, saying participants received classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, tours and opportunities to speak with department personnel.

Assistant Sheriff Fred Haas presented diplomas to the graduates and thanked them for their commitment during the program, according to the department.

Participants examine police work beyond routine patrol

The academy is designed to provide members of the public with firsthand information about the responsibilities and operations of LVMPD officers. The department describes it as a combination of classroom and interactive instruction.

Members of Class 02-2026 were introduced to constitutional law, patrol operations, homicide investigations, traffic enforcement, counterterrorism, crime prevention and firearms training, according to LVMPD.

Participants also received exposure to specialized functions including SWAT, K-9 operations and Search and Rescue.

• Constitutional law
• Patrol operations
• Homicide investigations
• SWAT operations
• K-9 operations
• Search and Rescue
• Firearms training
• Traffic enforcement
• Counterterrorism
• Crime prevention

LVMPD said the curriculum gives participants access to aspects of law enforcement that most residents would not ordinarily observe.

Advisory council member among the graduates

Angelica Villarta, a member of the Metro Multi-Cultural Advisory Council, was among the 30 graduates, according to LVMPD.

The department encouraged members of the class to continue serving as community ambassadors by sharing what they learned about LVMPD’s work and public-safety responsibilities.

What the Citizens’ Police Academy is — and is not

LVMPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy is a public education and community engagement program. It is not the department’s professional police academy and does not certify participants as officers or qualify them for a law-enforcement position.

LVMPD’s professional recruit academy is a separate employment-training process with significantly different testing, instructional and physical requirements.

LVMPD uses academy to support community engagement

The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of several LVMPD programs intended to increase public involvement in local safety efforts.

The department also promotes community participation through programs such as Neighborhood Watch and other partnerships intended to improve communication between residents and police personnel.

Citizens’ academies are generally intended to help participants better understand department procedures, legal restrictions and the decision-making involved in police work. They may also give law-enforcement agencies an opportunity to hear questions and concerns directly from community members.

Editor’s note: Class schedules, eligibility rules and application periods may change. Prospective applicants should confirm current information directly with LVMPD.