Citizen Police Academy – teaguepdtx.gov

Now Accepting Applications

The Teague Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy.

The Citizen Police Academy is a 10-week educational program designed to give approved participants a better understanding of police operations, patrol response, report writing, criminal investigations, evidence handling, prosecution, courtroom procedures, and the role of law enforcement in the community.

Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
Classes Begin: August 25, 2026
Class Schedule: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Teague Community Center
Final Class / Mock Trial / Graduation: October 27, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Participation is limited to:

City of Teague residents;
Teague business owners; or
City employees.

All applicants must complete an application and background check before acceptance.

How to Apply

Applicants may apply online using the Microsoft Forms application link below.

Apply Online

Paper applications may be obtained here:

Download Paper Application

Paper applications may be mailed or dropped off at:

Teague Police Department
315 Main Street
Teague, Texas 75860

A mail slot/drop box is available at the entrance.

Program Topics

Academy topics will include:

Department overview;
Patrol operations;
Legal standards and officer authority;
Report writing and records;
Criminal investigations;
Evidence and chain of custody;
Use of force, de-escalation, and decision-making;
Prosecutor review and case filing;
Court process and mock trial preparation;
Mock trial and graduation.

Scenario-Based Learning

The academy will use fictional case scenarios to help participants understand how criminal cases develop.

One scenario will follow a case from the initial police report through investigation, prosecutor review, court preparation, mock trial, and graduation.

A second scenario will show why some cases may stop at the report stage when there are no witnesses, video, serial numbers, suspect information, identifiable property, or other workable leads.

Important Requirements

Ride-alongs are not included as part of the Citizen Police Academy due to CJIS restrictions and operational limitations.

Participant weapons are not permitted during academy sessions.

Participants must attend at least 8 of the 10 scheduled classes to be eligible for graduation.

Completion of the Citizen Police Academy does not grant police authority, employment status, volunteer status, reserve officer status, access to restricted information, or special privileges.

Questions

For questions about the Citizen Police Academy, contact the Teague Police Department.

Teague Police Department
315 Main Street
Teague, Texas 75860

Office Phone: 254-739-2553