Citizens' Police Academy | Brantford Police Service

Citizens’ Police Academy Update

The Brantford Police Service Citizens’ Police Academy will not be running this October as originally planned. The program will be rescheduled for Spring 2026.

We appreciate the strong community interest and look forward to welcoming participants in the new year.

Watch our social media channels next year for the official announcement and application details!

The first Citizens' Police Academy was formed in the United Kingdom in 1977. Our Service's first Academy began on March 25, 1999. An eight-week program, the facilitator was BPS retired Chief of Police Derek McElveny.

Each Academy has been structured as an interactive, information-sharing evening, similar to a night school class. Community members who have attended, leave the program with a better understanding of the unique challenges and responsibilities that the members of the Brantford Police Service face every day.

Participant Selection

We are looking for mature, community-minded adults who represent a wide range of ages, occupations, and reasons for participating. Security checks will be completed before selection of the participants and valid photo identification is also required, which should be attached to the application.

Course Outline

The following topics are covered during the Citizens' Police Academy:

Overview of the Brantford Police Service
Tour of the facility
Forensic Identification
Canine Unit
Criminal Investigation - Major Crime
Street Crimes Unit
Emergency Response Unit
Use of Force
Internet Crime and Safety
911 Dispatch
Communications
Motor vehicle investigation/reconstruction and radar

If you have any questions about the BPS Citizens' Police Academy, please feel free to contact Constable Nicholas Lawson at nlawson@police.brantford.on.ca

Citizens' Police Academy Application

Apply Today