Applications for the Sierra Vista Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy (CPA) are now open for adults seeking a behind-the-scenes experience of police work. The nine-week program promotes police/community relations and is designed to give citizens a better understanding of local law enforcement.

CPA students will explore a variety of topics from arrest and control concepts to Constitutional Law. They’ll learn about processing a crime scene and evidence, accident reconstruction, conducting field sobriety tests, and SWAT procedures, along with watching K9 demonstrations and participating in defense tactics and the virtual shooting range.

Students will also become familiar with the day-to-day activities of the department’s various divisions and bureaus. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas about law enforcement in today’s world.

“The Citizen Police Academy has served as a catalyst for growing transparency with our community as we open our doors to our citizens on how we do business daily,” Sierra Vista Police Chief Chris Hiser says. “But equally important, it serves as a fun and satisfying experience for all our attendees.”  

SVPD’s 2026 CPA classes will be held on Wednesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the police auditorium beginning on Aug. 5 and continuing for nine consecutive weeks. Applications must be submitted by Friday, June 5.

Participants must be 18 years of age or older, live or work in the greater Sierra Vista area, have no prior felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions involving violence or weapons, and have no arrests within six months prior to the application submittal. Exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis. After the submission of the application and other information, the police department will conduct a limited background investigation.