Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy is an interactive program designed to educate the public about KPD policies and the criminal justice system. The CPA allows the police department and interested citizens of Kauaʻi to share information and ideas in an interactive and positive setting, with the goal of building relationships, increasing community involvement and reducing crime on our island.

Classroom and field instruction will cover a variety of subjects to give participants a brief overview of what it takes to be a police officer. Topics include firearms, crime scenes, communications, police vehicles, report writing, domestic violence, and community policing.

CPA participants will meet for three to four hours once a week, on a week night or a Saturday, for 13 weeks. Most sessions will be held at Ka Hale Makai 0 Kauai, Lihuʻe Headquarters. Participants will also visit the Kipu Pistol Range and other locations as needed, including a police vehicle ride-along.

There is no cost to participate in the Citizens Police Academy.

Participants must meet the following requirements:

  • A Kauaʻi resident
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have a valid driver's license
  • No prior Felony convictions or Domestic Violence convictions
  • No DUI convictions within the last 3 years
  • No Misdemeanor or Petty Misdemeanor convictions within the last 5 years from the date of application for the Citizens Police Academy

For more information, contact Sgt. Lance Okasaki at lokasaki@kauai.gov or 241-1647

To apply, complete the online Citizens Police Academy Application Form, or print the application form (PDF) and submit it in person.

Rules of Conduct

  1. In order to successfully complete this program, you must attend at least 11 of the 13 class sessions.
  2. If you are unable to attend a class, please call or leave a message with your CPA Staff. We realize that other commitments will come up during the program, but it is important for us to have an accurate headcount for each class.
  3. If you choose to “drop out,” please notify the CPA Staff. We understand that personal situations can change during the course of the program; however, we hope everyone will be able to complete the program.
  4. Non-participants will not be allowed to attend the class sessions.
  5. The dress code is casual. (No tank tops, shorts, slippers, etc.) You will be informed about the sessions requiring different attire.
  6. As with all government buildings on Kauai, smoking is not allowed within the Ka Hale Makai O Kauai. Special areas outside the building have been designated as smoking areas.

This program is not intended to serve as a “gripe session.” There will be discussion period where we welcome input and opinions; however please remember that the overall goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to provide information in order to foster a better relationship between citizens of Kauai and their Police Officers.

Related Documents

Announcements

Thursday, September 20, 2012
KPD holds graduation ceremony for inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2012

 

DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF

 

 

KPD holds graduation ceremony for inaugural Citizen’s Police Academy

 

 LIHU'E – The Kaua'i Police Department held a graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of its Citizen's Police Academy (CPA) Tuesday evening in the courtyard of Ka Hale Makaʻi o Kaua'i, Police Headquarters.

“We are grateful to these men and woman for sacrificing their personal time to gain a better understanding of the life of our police officers and the continued sacrifices they make,” said Kauaʻi Police Chief Darryl Perry. “Participants experienced just a snapshot of what is required, and it is our hope that programs such as this will help to create a better public understanding of those demands.”

Chief Perry honored the nine graduates with a Certificate of Completion and a commemorative Chief’s coin. During the ceremony, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., County Council Chair Jay Furfaro, Police Commission Chair Ernest Kanekoa, Jr. and Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades each recognized the group for their accomplishment. Also in attendance were council members Kipukai Kualii, Nadine Nakamura, Mel Rapozo and Police Commissioner Charlie Iona.

 “You now have a rare insight into the culture of law enforcement and the responsibility of our officers,” said Mayor Carvalho while addressing the graduates. “Your commitment to this program shows your desire to work together with our police department in creating a better, safer Kaua'i.”

In order to receive the Certificate of Completion, participants were required to attend at least 11 of 13 sessions over the course of two months. The courses combined both classroom and field instruction tailored to various aspects of law enforcement and criminal justice, including: firearms; crime scenes; domestic violence disputes; special units; and community policing.

Seats have already been filled for the next Citizen’s Police Academy beginning on Tuesday, September 25. However, registration is ongoing for upcoming classes, including the third class which is set to start in January of next year.

Applications for the academy are available at the Lihu'e Headquarters located at 3990 Ka‘ana Street, Suite 200; or online at www.kauai.gov/police.

Academy hopefuls must be Kaua'i residents who are at least 18 years of age with a valid driver's license, and have never been convicted of a felony, DUI, domestic violence offense or petty misdemeanor within the past five years.

The program is free for those who are accepted. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

The Kaua'i Police Department reminds the public that while the Citizen's Police Academy is modeled after a police academy, it is not intended to be a citizen's patrol group or an offer of employment.

“The Citizen's Police Academy is one part of an ongoing effort to bring greater transparency to the police department,” said Deputy Chief Contrades. “And ultimately build a stronger relationship with our community.”

For more information on the Citizen’s Police Academy, including a course schedule, visit www.kauai.gov/police or call Lt. Rod Green, 808-241-1907.