Community Academy

The Community Academy is a free and informative 11-week program hosted by the San Fernando Police Department.

The mission of the Community Academy is to strengthen the Police Department's relationship with community stakeholders through interactive educational and instructional opportunities in the spirit of trust, transparency, and legitimacy.

The Program

Presented in a friendly, casual environment, the Community Academy covers a wide variety of subject areas including police communications, criminal law and procedures, street crime enforcement, criminal investigations, defensive tactics, community programs, and more. The classes are taught by experienced peace officers and staff. The Community Academy concludes with a culmination ceremony, where participants receive a certificate of completion. The Community Academy does not certify participants as law enforcement officers.

Schedule

Participants interested in attending may submit an application to Detective Jorge Cervantes (call (818) 898-1263 or email JCervantes@SanFernando.gov). The 11-week class schedule will be distributed to registered students. Space is limited to 20 students per class.

If selected for the Community Academy, participants will be expected to attend nine of the 11 scheduled sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion.

Code of Conduct

It is the intent of the Community Academy staff to facilitate a positive learning environment. Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged and requires a degree of mutual respect, willingness to learn, and tolerance of opposing points of view. Respect for individual differences and alternative viewpoints will be maintained at all times. A person's words and use of language should be temperate and within acceptable bounds of civility and decency.

All participants are required to treat each other and the staff with courtesy and respect. Failure to abide by the Community Academy Class Code of Conduct is grounds for dismissal from the course.

Requirements

  • Minimum age at submission of application is 18 years old.
  • If in high school, must be in good academic standing.
  • Must live, work, or go to school within City limits.
  • Must not be on active probation, parole, no pending criminal cases, or prior/current litigation involving the City.
  • Must not have prior felony convictions or arrests, and must be able to pass a background check. The Police Chief, or his designee, reserves the right to make the final decision regarding admission into the Community Academy.
  • Applicants should be able to speak, read, and understand basic English. An abridged Spanish language academy is being planned for the future.
  • If selected to attend the Community Academy, participants are expected to attend nine of the 11 scheduled sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion.

Apply Now!

Download an Application(PDF, 710KB)

Contact Information

Jorge Cervantes, Detective
(818) 898-1263 | JCervantes@SanFernando.gov

Regular Business Hours

Detective Bureau
Monday through Friday | 8:30 am to 5 pm

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