Community Police Academy

A Word From the Lieutenant

“One thing that I stress from the beginning...is that it’s not just our job to protect you, it’s also your job to protect yourself.”

-- Lt. Eschenfelder (retired),
Original host of the CPA

A black police SUV with flashing lights is parked on a residential street, while children and adults gather nearby, some waving and others sitting on the grass.

Slider is playing
A sign reading 'Police Employees Only' accompanied by a police badge, indicating restricted access to a police facility.

Program Overview

Established in 1996, the Community Police Academy is a 12-week police discovery session, open to Westlake residents and employees of Westlake companies. It is not designed for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement but to help increase understanding between the community and the police department that serves it.

To Apply

0222Opens a New Window.2024 Westlake Community Police Academy Application Form - Fillable

2023 Session - Coming Soon!

The Westlake Police Department’s Community Police Acad­emy is a free, hands-on program for anyone 21+ who wants to learn directly from patrol officers, detectives and civilian staff members about what their jobs entail and how a police department functions. Participants will get experience in crime scene processing, self-defense, firearms instruction, K-9 operations, drone operations and detective bureau in­vestigations. Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 19. Classes will be held Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning on Aug. 31. The graduation ceremony will be held on the final night, Nov. 16, which family and friends will be invited to attend.

Well Received Program

The class has been so well received that its students consistently volunteer their time to assist the Police Department with activities such as the Bike Rodeo, Celebrate Westlake Race, and Party in the Park on the 4th of July.

“By educating the public about how the police function, our goal is to make the city a safer place. We train citizens to be more observant about what’s going on in their city.”