The Citizen Police Academy provides members of our community with an inside look at law enforcement. The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to provide a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement's role in our community and give participants a better knowledge of the operations and resources of the Westfield Police Department.

This class typically runs once per year. It normally begins in late January or early February and meets once per week for twelve weeks. Please check back for exact dates for upcoming classes.

During the academy participants interact with police executives and veteran officers.

Areas of the Department Covered During the Academy

• Introduction and History of the Westfield Police Department
• Criminal Law and The Justice System
• Financial Crime and Fraud
• Patrol Procedures
• Drug Identification/Crime Scene
• Defensive Tactics and Use of Force
• School Resource Officer Programs and Dispatch Functions
• Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
• Firearm Safety
• Court System, Probation and Parole
• Community Policing and Code enforcement
• Graduation Ceremony

Minimum Criteria to Be Considered a Candidate for the Citizen Academy

• 21 years of age
• Reside in or be employed in the City of Westfield
• No prior felony arrests
• No misdemeanor arrests within two years of application
• Any other past civil/criminal involvement is evaluated on a per case basis

For more information or to get an application, you can stop by the Westfield Police Department, click this link, or contact Lt. Eric Hall by phone at 413-642-9383, or email.