Community Police Academy
A Word From the Lieutenant
“One thing that I stress from the beginning...is that it’s not just our job to protect you, it’s also your job to protect yourself.”
-- Lt. Eschenfelder (retired),
Original host of the CPA
Program Overview
Established in 1996, the Community Police Academy is a 12-week police discovery session, open to Westlake residents and employees of Westlake companies. It is not designed for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement but to help increase understanding between the community and the police department that serves it.
To Apply
Westlake Community Police Academy Application Form - Fillable
Applications are due by Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
2025 Session – Registration Now Open!
The Westlake Police Department’s Community Police Academy is a free, hands-on program for anyone 21 or older who wants to learn directly from patrol officers, detectives, and civilian staff about how our department operates. Participants will get experience in crime-scene processing, self-defense, firearms instruction, K-9 operations, drone operations, and detective-bureau investigations.
Classes will be held Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., beginning August 27 and running through November 12, 2025.
The graduation ceremony will take place on the final night, November 12, 2025, and family and friends are invited to attend.
Well-Received Program
This class has been so well received that its graduates consistently volunteer their time to assist the Police Department at community events such as the Bike Rodeo, Celebrate Westlake Race, and Party in the Park on the Fourth of July.