West County Citizen Police Academy


About the Program
The West County Citizen Police Academy is an educational citizen-involved activity designed by the Chesterfield, Creve Coeur, Des Peres, Frontenac, Kirkwood, Ladue, Olivette and Town & Country Police Departments. The goal is to promote understanding between the community's residents and its police officers regarding their respective needs and problems. By promoting this relationship, citizens and police can work together to make the community a safer place to live.

The Citizen Police Academy is a unique opportunity to educate the public about the criminal justice system and provide insight into everyday police work. The Academy is designed to give the public a chance to observe and understand law enforcement through a hands-on approach. Entrance into this program is by application only. A record check will be completed on each applicant.

Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

Several areas of police training will be covered during the 9-week Academy.  Role-playing scenarios will be used to reinforce the learning process and give participants a chance to share some "real life" police situations.  Finally, applicants will be afforded the opportunity to ride along with police officers to observe firsthand the daily challenges faced by police officers. 

Some of the topics covered will include:
  • Constitutional Law 
  • Criminal Law
  • Use of Force 
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Traffic Enforcement 
  • DWI Investigations
  • Police Weaponry & Weapons Safety

Community involvement is the key to a successful Academy program.  Citizens Police Academy graudates will not become police officers; however they will have a greater understanding of law enforcement and a community partnership will be established.

A background check of all applicants will be completed to ensure the safety and confidentiality of law-enforcement specific material. All applicants must be over 18.

The next class will begin in spring of 2025.  All classes will be held on consecutive Wednesday nights.

For more information, please contact Officer Chad Meyer at cmeyer@chesterfield.mo.us or (636) 537-6769.  Applications can be submitted here.