Citizens Police Academy

• Citizens Police Academy Application
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mission

To establish and maintain a course of instruction for citizens to familiarize them with the operations of the Franklin Police Department and the profession of law enforcement.

The Franklin Citizens Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement.

Our ten-week academy presents an overview of a modern, progressive law enforcement agency striving to serve a dynamic, growing community. You’ll gain an appreciation for the complex, challenging issues facing police today and be able to present your own concerns and questions regarding the direction of public safety in an increasingly diverse, uncertain environment.

Department employees and guest instructors present each session and interact with participants on a very approachable level. Students network with senior department staff and members of almost every facet of the Franklin community. Your participation and interaction are an integral part of helping us all get to know one another better.

Potential candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Live or work in the Franklin-Williamson County community
• No felony convictions
• No convictions for DUI, possession or sale of any controlled substance, or for any offense involving moral turpitude
• $65.00 Participation Fee
• Participate in Eight of the Nine Class Sessions

Classes meet for three hours, one evening per week for ten weeks, usually in the Franklin Police Department classroom located on the 2nd Avenue side of the City Hall Mall, south of the Public Square. Additionally, each "student" participates in a four-hour ride along program and a voluntary firearms range.

CPA Class Set to Begin on September 4, 2008
Participants will learn about the operations and complexity of a modern law enforcement agency. Class members will learn about crime scene investigations, narcotics and vice operations, and the criminal justice system. The department is currently accepting applications for its 2008 class, slated to begin on September 4, 2008. Applications are currently available on-line or in the lobby at the department. Classes are formed on a first-come, first-served basis, so please indicate your interest today!

Photo 1

CPA class members Michael Orr and Deanna Zieman interview one another as they compete in the opening CPA Bingo ice breaker.

Photo 2

Sergeant Ricky Brown leads the class as they tour the Franklin emergency communications center.

Photo 3

The classroom stands ready to receive Class 07-21 on opening night.

Photo 4

Lt Chris Gentry orients the Class 07-21 for their ten-week experience with the department.

Photo 5

Mayor Tom Miller greets the class and claims "your Thursday nights won't ever be the same."

Photo 6

Officer Charlie Richards and K-9 Sting demonstrate canine search techniques.

Photo 7

K-9 Titan takes down a "bad guy" as the class watches.

Photo 8

Deputy Chief JD Sanders observes a robbery in progress and later leads the class in describing and identifying the suspects as part of the Operations Division overview.

Photo 9

CPA class members attempt to re-call the exact chain of events and describe their observations from the robbery.

Photo 10

"Suspect" Bonnie Lloyd gets the drop on class member Trish Henson as she gets an up close and personal opportunity to experience a traffic stop from the officer's perspective.

Photo 11

A member of the department's traffic enforcement team explains to class members the mission of the Traffic Enforcement Team.

Photo 12

Class member Kevin Welch questions a traffic violator as he practices a traffic stop during the Operations Division practical exercise.

Photo 13

Class member Janet Tharpe gets caught by surprise as she makes a traffic stop during the Operations Division practical exercise.

Photo 14

Officer Ryan Shuman takes the class through room entry techniques.