Citizens' Police Academy

Programs

The Citizens' Police Academy is designed to provide citizens with a better understanding of The University of Texas System Police Department at SFA's operations and community policing philosophy.

This course will cover topics such as:

  • criminal investigations
  • patrol operations
  • telecommunications
  • and more.

Classes are once a week from 3 to 5 p.m. on the SFA campus and will consist of lectures and hands-on demonstrations. There also will be an opportunity to sign up for a ride-along.

Citizens' Policy Academy Class 4: Spring 2025

Class is held once a week:

  • Feb. 4 to April 8, 2025
  • 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays
  • Location TBA

Note: There is no class Tuesday, March 11. SFA will be closed for spring break.

If you are willing to make a commitment and become an involved citizen, we encourage you to apply. 

How to Apply

Details are being finalized and application paperwork will be posted as soon as it's available.

Submit your completed waiver and application in person at the University Police building or via email to whitney.howell@sfasu.edu.

Eligibility criteria

  • Applicant must be at least 17 years of age.
  • Applicant may be a student, faculty or staff member of SFA and/or a Nacogdoches County resident.
  • Background check: No person with a Class A misdemeanor or higher conviction, including a family violence conviction, shall be allowed to attend the class.
    • Class B misdemeanor conviction has a 10-year disqualification period.
    • All disqualifiers shall remain concurrent to and consistent with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s TCIC/TLETS access policy, or any additional policy amendments.
  • You will be automatically disqualified if you have any outstanding warrants, pending court dates in either municipal, state or federal courts, or a conviction of the following: issuance of bad check, public lewdness, theft or any other crime of “moral turpitude.” You will not be allowed to attend the academy until such warrants are cleared and all cases are adjudicated.
  • All applicants will be interviewed via phone and will receive an acceptance phone call, so be sure to provide the best number(s) to contact. All other correspondence and updates will be by email.

Program objectives

  • To provide insight into the responsibilities of a university police department and the measures taken to prevent, deter and respond to criminal and non-criminal activities.
  • To enhance communication and create long-term meaningful partnerships with the students, staff, faculty members and supporters of SFA.
  • Citizens' Police Academy graduates are encouraged to share their knowledge with the community and become ambassadors for the organization.

Questions about the course?

Morgan Stockberger
administrative assistant
Call: 936.468.2252

Corporal Whitney Mask
whitney.howell@sfasu.edu