Citizens Academy
Scottsboro Police Department
2026 Citizen Police Academy
8 Week Program
In order to enhance and develop citizen awareness and understanding of the police role in our community, the Scottsboro Police Department has developed a Citizens Police Academy. This concept in law enforcement is designed for citizens of all backgrounds and occupations in order to get a better understanding of what law enforcement deals with on a daily basis.
Over the course of 8 weeks, this program consists of approximately 24 hours of police training. This training will take place every Wednesday night from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, at the Scottsboro Police Department.
Areas Covered Include:
- Criminal Law
- Crime Prevention
- Use of Force
- Patrol
- Accidents
- Investigations
- Drugs
- DUI
- Firearm Safety
- Firing Range
- Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
- K-9
- Communications
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Animal Control
- Jail
- (6) Hours of In-Car Ride Along
The objective of this program is not to make the graduates police officers, but to better inform the citizens of Scottsboro what the functions and duties of a police officer are. This program also gives the attendees an opportunity to enhance community relations through first-hand knowledge and hands-on experience of what a day in the life of a law enforcement could entail.
REQUIREMENTS & LIMITATIONS
Citizens applying for the Academy must adhere to the following standards:
1) Must be 21 years of age or older.
2) No criminal record other than minor traffic violations.
3) Physically able to meet training requirements.
4) Must attend 6 of the 8 classroom sessions.
5) Must complete the ride along (6 hours minimum).
6) Must sign all required waivers & agreements.
7) Must wear appropriate clothing.
Due to classroom size, the Citizens Academy may be limited to 25 participants per session. Attending the Citizen Police Academy is a privilege, not a right and participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants will be accepted pending a background check.
All interested in applying for the Academy can obtain an application online at https://scottsboropd.org or in person at Scottsboro Police Department located at 916 South Broad Street.
All applications must be completed and returned for approval no later than April 30th, 2026.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Lieutenant Coty Durham at 256-609-7120 or via email at coty.durham@scottsboropdal.gov