Simi Valley Police Department Accepting Applications for Citizens Academy
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Simi Valley Police Department is accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week program that gives residents a direct look at how local law enforcement and the criminal justice system operate. As of this week, 12 spots remain in the 24-person class. Applications must be requested by Friday, July 17.
The academy runs Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., August 27 through October 29, at the Police Department headquarters on Alamo Street. The program is free and open to adults who live or work in the city.
Participants will hear from SVPD personnel, representatives from the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, and other public safety partners. Topics include patrol operations, dispatch, investigations, K-9 units, SWAT, traffic enforcement, narcotics, gangs, and the broader criminal justice system. The curriculum is designed to show how these units work together and what police work looks like day to day.
Each participant will also complete a ride-along with a Simi Valley police officer, offering a firsthand view of policing in action. The program includes field trips to the Ventura County Jail and the Ventura County Sheriff's Training Center. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to field trip locations.
The academy is intended to strengthen partnerships between the department and the community by increasing understanding of police policies, procedures, and the realities of the job. According to the department, the goal is not recruitment but transparency and education.
Applicants must have no felony convictions or pending criminal cases. A brief criminal history check is required as part of the application process. Participants may miss up to two sessions and still receive a certificate of completion. Missing three or more classes results in removal from the program.
To request an application, call (805) 583-6287 and leave a name with spelling, address and callback number. Applications are processed on a first-come basis, and the waiting list for future sessions is maintained by the department's volunteer coordinator.
The Citizens Police Academy has been offered annually for several years. Past participants have included business owners, retirees, parents, and others interested in learning more about public safety in the city. The program reflects a broader effort by the department to build trust and open lines of communication with the people it serves.
With only 12 spots left and the application deadline approaching, anyone interested in the fall session should request an application soon. Classes begin in late August, and the department expects the remaining slots to fill quickly.
