The Garden Ridge Police Department holds a FREE Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA) every other year. This fun and informative hands-on class is open to all Garden Ridge residents. Our next class will be held once per week on Tuesdays from January 14, 2025, through April 1, 2025. (No class on March 18 due to Spring Break.) Classes will be in the Garden Ridge Community Center from 6pm – 9pm.
Registration is NOW OPEN!
What is the Citizen Police Academy (CPA)?
The CPA program is designed to help local residents better understand police work as well as to offer insight into what happens behind the scenes at your Garden Ridge Police Department. Our objectives consist of strengthening relationships and communication between Garden Ridge residents and Garden Ridge Police Officers as well as aiding in crime prevention and public safety.
What Can You Expect During the Class?
Activities are designed and taught by subject-matter experts – both sworn Police Officers and civilians from your community.
Classes are normally held in a classroom environment with a few special activities held outdoors. Topics include:
- Spotting Suspicious People and Situations
- Traffic Law including Simulated Traffic Stops
- Search, Seizure, and Arrest Procedures
- Working With K-9 Officers and Narcotics Interdiction
- Use of Force, including deadly force
- REAL Crime Scene Investigation (Not TV Drama)
- Shooting at the Firearms Range (Optional)
- Introduction to Tactical Medicine
Training supplies are provided. You need only bring a positive attitude and a willingness to engage with your community!
A letter from Chief Eberhardt
Still not sure if this class is for you? Take a look at this letter from Garden Ridge Chief of Police Ron Eberhardt, as well as a few comments from past attendees.
Comments from past attendees
Here are some quotes from past attendees of the Garden Ridge Citizen Police Academy class.
This class changed my view from “those Garden Ridge police officers are just out to get me and give me a speeding ticket” to “understanding what they actually do to keep me and our community safe and how I can help!”
Peggy C
The CPA classes demonstrated how we can improve our own safety and security anywhere by being selectively attentive to our situations and surroundings as well as what actions to take if we might be a witness or even a victim.
Mike S
It was most beneficial for the opportunity to meet neighbors from all over the community in addition to getting to know our police officers and other first responders.
Ken L
Our police officers take an oath to protect and serve. As citizens, we get the opportunity to learn, participate, and experience what they do exponentially above and beyond protecting and serving.
Carol H
I have seen and learned through the CPA classes how the Garden Ridge Police Officers interact with citizens (students in the class), and with each other, which many citizens only rarely see. I have seen and learned of the many other county agencies that the Police Department interacts with during the course of their duties.
Ken K
Please join us!
We hope that you will join us for the 2025 Citizens’ Police Academy class here in Garden Ridge. It’s a great way to meet some other folks from the community, while gaining valuable insight into the Police Department as well as other agencies in our area.