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RPD: Citizen's Police Academy

The Rochester Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy (C.P.A.) is a 10-week program held once a year* with an average class of 20-25 attendees. This year, we are encouraging community members and business owners to apply for the 32nd Academy. Academy classes take place over 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning October 9th, 2024, and concluding on December 11, 2024.

The C.P.A. was established by the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in 1992 with the objective of advancing our collaborative partnership between the Police and community we “Serve with Pride,” and develop solutions to problems while increasing public trust. 

The C.P.A. provides a broad-based look at the policies, procedures and operations of the RPD. At its conclusion, attendees will be more familiar with the role of law enforcement in City neighborhoods, along with experiencing training currently provided to Rochester police officers. Attendees will have opportunities to offer comments and suggestions on police procedures and the recruit academy curriculum.  

  • Classes will be held at the Public Safety Training Facility, 1190 Scottsville Road, Rochester, NY, 14624. 
  • Citizen’s Police Academy Schedule: All classes take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Session #1: October 9, 2024

  • State of the Rochester Police Department
  • Recruiting and Hiring Process for RPD Officers  
  • Recruit Training

Session #2: October 16, 2024

  • Introduction to RPD Patrol Sections
  • Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC)/Crime Prevention/PAC-TAC
  • Criminal Investigation Section   

Session #3: October 23, 2024

  •   Domestic Violence and Conflict Management (De-escalation techniques)

Session #4: October 30, 2024

  •  Defensive Tactics- Unarmed Defense and Use of Force Continuum (Levels of Force used by RPD Officers Demonstrated with Attendees Participation)
  •  Academy Tour

Session #5: November 6, 2024

  •   Firearms (to include Firearm Safety)- Attendees experience firing a handgun on the Police Range and engage in Judgemental Shooting (PRISM) , if       available
  •   Less-Lethal Options Overview

Session #6: November 13, 2024

  •  Vehicle Stops and Tactical Approaches- Practical Exercise with Attendees  

Session #7: November 20, 2024

  • Introduction to Special Investigation Section (Narcotics) - Attendees Experience Hands-on Demonstration of Illegal Drugs Sold/Used in the City of Rochester
  • Introduction to License Investigation Unit and Economic Crimes (Tips given to avoid being scammed)   

Session #8: November 27, 2024

  • Introduction to Criminal Investigation Division - Homicide and Serious Crimes
  • Body Worn Camera Program - Policies, Procedures and Demonstrations   

Session #9: December 4, 2024

  •  Professional Standards Section (Internal Affairs)
  •  Officer Wellness   

Session #10: December 11, 2024

  • 911 Center Tour - 321 West Main St.  (6-6:45 pm)
  • Graduation Ceremony - PSB 185 Exchange St.
  • Special Teams Exposition (K9, SWAT, Scuba, Bomb and Mounted Units)

For further information and an application, please contact Sergeant Stephen Boily at (585) 428-7628 or send an email inquiry to Stephen.Boily@cityofrochester.gov . Applications must be completed and returned for the next session by September 16, 2024, and registration approved prior to the first session date on October 9th, 2024, with preference given to City of Rochester residents and business owners. 

Applications can also be downloaded by clicking the button below or obtained at the RPD Headquarters Desk, 185 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614.

Civilian Police Academy application

Completed applications can be mailed to the attention of Sergeant Stephen Boily at the Rochester Police Department - Backgrounds Unit, 185 Exchange Blvd., Rochester, NY 14614, or scanned and emailed to Stephen.Boily@cityofrochester.gov.