Sergeant Joseph Steigele
Commanding Officer, Community Relations Bureau

Sergeant Ashley Dormer
Executive Officer, Community Relations Bureau

SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BUREAU

various photos of police interacting with the community

Civilian Police Academy

The Civilian Police Academy is an award winning educational program which invites Suffolk County residents to receive specialized training given at their Police Academy for the purpose of bringing the Police Department and the community closer together. It opens up the lines of communication and builds trust between the police and the community.

The mission of the Academy is to familiarize civilians with the operation, procedures and policies of our Department and better acquaint them with the role of police officers in their community. Students will be exposed to a variety of different learning and hands-on experiences related to police work.

There is NO physical component to the program – anyone can apply regardless of their physical capabilities.

Civilian Academy Brochure: English | Español

police civilian academy standing in front of flags

How long is it?

The Civilian Academy is a total of 48 hours long. There are 16 sessions, one session per week. Each class is approximately three hours long, starting at 6:30PM and ending at 9:30PM. The Civilian Academy runs two programs a year: a Spring session (typically between March and June) and a Fall session (between September and December).

Where is it held?

Most classes are held at the Suffolk County Police Academy in Brentwood. However there are approximately 5 out of the 16 classes that will be held at other SCPD facilities which are all located within Suffolk County.

What will be taught?

Classes are held on various topics including Use of Force, Special Patrol (K-9, Aviation, Crime Scene, Emergency Services), Domestic Violence, Homicide Investigations, Bias Crimes, as well as other topics. Additionally, students have the option of riding along with Police Officers from their local precinct for a tour of duty and attending a demonstration at the Police Firearms Range and our experiencing training at our Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (E.V.O.C.).

police civilian academy training with dummy
cop cars
police civilian academy training with dogs

Who can apply?

Any adult resident of Suffolk County (21 years or older) with a valid driver’s license (transportation will not be provided to meetings). Preference is given to people in active leadership positions in their communities (members of civic associations, community businesses, neighborhood watches, tax payers associations, elected leaders, school officials, etc.). Applicants must also pass a background check as students will have access to official police areas. Applications received will be kept on file for the next available class.

What does it cost?

FREE - There is no fee or charge of any kind.

How do you apply?

Apply Here

Aplicar Aqui en Espanol

Be sure to include a copy of your current, valid photo ID with your completed application and mail these documents to:

Suffolk County Police Academy
502 Wicks Road
Brentwood, NY 11717
Attn: Academy In Service Training Section – Civilian Academy
(631) 853 - 7000

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Contact P.O. Sabrina Pitch at 631-853-7003 or Sabrina.Pitch@SuffolkCountyNY.gov with any further questions.

Come join your fellow neighbors and friends who have already
graduated from this highly successful and rewarding program!

DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS

STAY CONNECTED

CONTACT

Suffolk County Police Department, Community Relations Bureau, 30 Yaphank Ave, Yaphank, NY 11980

EMAIL: SCPDCRB​@suffolkcountyny​.gov

PHONE: 631-852-6109