Registration Open for Harris County Constable Precinct 5’s Citizens Police Academy: Hands-On Law Enforcement Training for Residents
The Harris County Constable Precinct 5 has opened registration for its Citizens Police Academy, an immersive 10-week program designed to give residents firsthand experience and insight into law enforcement operations. The academy, led by Constable Terry Allbritton, begins on March 25, 2025, and runs weekly on Tuesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. until May 27, 2025. Most classes will be held at the Precinct 5 Command Station, located at 17423 Katy Freeway near Barker Cypress.
What is the Citizens Police Academy?
The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is one of the most popular programs offered by the department, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at how law enforcement officers train and operate. Attendees, or “cadets,” will go through many of the same training exercises as Precinct 5 deputies, gaining hands-on experience in critical law enforcement procedures.
Participants will engage in classroom instruction and practical exercises, covering topics such as use of force, arrests, patrol procedures, officer safety, and emergency vehicle operations. One of the highlights of the course includes the opportunity to drive a real patrol vehicle on a closed emergency operations course. Additionally, cadets will receive an in-depth look at modern police equipment and firearm safety training.
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Who Should Enroll?
The Citizens Police Academy is designed for anyone interested in learning more about law enforcement, police decision-making, and community safety. Whether a resident has considered a career in law enforcement, has questions about policing methods, or simply wants a firsthand look at life behind the badge, this program offers valuable insight.
Eligibility Requirements
To enroll in the Citizens Police Academy, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and possess a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID. They must have no felony record and must not have had a Class B or higher conviction within the past three years. Additionally, applicants cannot have any current arrest warrants or be registered sex offenders. All potential cadets must pass a background check and commit to attending all 10 sessions of the academy to ensure full participation in the program.
How to Register
Residents who meet the eligibility criteria can register online here.
For more information, potential applicants can contact Academy Coordinator Don Harvey at Donald.Harvey@cn5.hctx.net or call 832-927-6829.
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What Participants Can Expect
Cadets will participate in a structured training program, gaining firsthand experience in:
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Patrol procedures and how officers respond to calls
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Legal concepts such as probable cause, reasonable suspicion, and the difference between detainment and arrest
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Hands-on driving exercises in a patrol car on an emergency vehicle operations course
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Use of force training and real-world decision-making scenarios
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Firearm safety and equipment training
By the end of the course, participants will have a greater understanding of law enforcement, offering them a perspective that goes beyond news headlines and social media narratives. Many former cadets have expressed how the experience changed their perception of policing, giving them a deeper appreciation for the challenges and responsibilities officers face every day.
Why the Citizens Police Academy Matters
The Citizens Police Academy provides a valuable bridge between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. By allowing residents to learn directly from deputies, the program fosters trust, transparency, and engagementbetween police and the public. Graduates of the program often become ambassadors for community policing, sharing their knowledge and experience with others in their neighborhoods.
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Sign Up Today
Spots for the Citizens Police Academy Class C5-1925 are limited, and demand is expected to be high. Residents interested in this one-of-a-kind law enforcement training opportunity should register here as soon as possible.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see law enforcement from the inside out and gain an unforgettable experience with Harris County Constable Precinct 5’s Citizens Police Academy.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
