Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy

The Cortez Police Department is excited to announce the 2026 Citizens Academy, returning this fall with six weeks of hands‑on learning, behind‑the‑badge experiences, and plenty of “I never knew that!” moments.
Classes begin Thursday, September 3, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and will continue every Thursday evening through October 8. All sessions will be held at the Cortez Police Department, located at 608 North Park Street, Cortez, Colorado.

Make it a date night, bring your bestie, invite a coworker, or rally your book club for a unique Thursday night experience. Try something different and memorable this fall.

Each week highlights a different part of police work, including:
Police policy and report writing
Crime scene processing and investigations
Arrest control
Drug activity and fentanyl awareness
Real‑life body‑cam video reviews
Field sobriety demonstrations
A tour of the Dispatch Center
Training with less‑lethal tools, including tasers
Reality‑based decision‑making scenarios

Each night includes one hour of classroom learning and one hour of hands-on activities. All physical involvement is based entirely on your comfort level. Participants will also have the chance to meet our officers and hear their stories.
We hope this academy continues to be a meaningful experience for both participants and our staff. It is a special opportunity to see how your local police department operates and to connect with the people who serve our community.
There is no cost to attend. Class size is limited to ensure everyone has the opportunity to take part in each scenario. Must be 18 years of age.