The San Mateo Police Department believes in a collaborative approach to policing. Our community policing model is equal parts community and law enforcement, which is what keeps San Mateo safe, vibrant, and healthy. The San Mateo Community Police Academy offers a transparent lens into the internal workings of your police department and how they relate to servicing our community as a whole. Join us for a memorable and rewarding experience to see behind the scenes of the police department, learn about the roles and responsibilities of our staff, and gain skills you can take back to your daily life.

Program Overview

The San Mateo Community Police Academy is a 11-week program hosted by the San Mateo Police Department located a 200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA. Classes will be every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. All applicants must agree to attend most sessions. Please review the dates below. 

Classes

The San Mateo Community Police Academy will be administered and taught by San Mateo police officers and/or local law enforcement experts to help provide you with different perspectives and expertise offered by these professionals. A maximum of 30 students are permitted per academy. All attendees are required to wear a department issued polo shirt and identification lanyard during the class.

The program will have both classroom and hands-on learning to maximize your experience. Classes will include lectures, role play scenarios, and hands-on application development. Participants are not expected to perform actual police officer duties and may elect to opt out of any practical exercise. 

Courses

• Orientation to Department and Law Enforcement 
• Traffic Stops and DUI Enforcement
• CPR / First Aid Certification 
• Firearms Range and High-Tech Force Options Simulator
• Criminal Investigations and Prosecution
• SWAT and Dispatch Services
• Crime Prevention and Crime Scene Investigations 
• Police K-9 and the Crime Reduction Unit
• Community Engagement and Resource Information
• Youth Services
• Graduation Day

Application Process and Requirements

The San Mateo Community Police Academy classes are limited to a maximum of 30 participants and the San Mateo Police Department reserves the right to close enrollment at any time. Applicants are required to apply online prior to the application deadline. We welcome all applicants over the age of 18 who live or work in the City of San Mateo. Immigration status is not important to us and citizenship is not required to join. 

Participants are granted access to restricted law enforcement facilities, areas, and information. Applicants must undergo a background investigation and provide digital fingerprints prior to official acceptance into the San Mateo Community Police Academy. The San Mateo Police Department reserves the right to disqualify any applicant without notification of cause. 

Important Dates

The San Mateo Police Department offers the Community Police Academy each year.

• Accepting Application: Closed
• Acceptance Notification: July 14-18, 2025
• Deadline to confirm acceptance: August 8, 2025
• First Session: September 11, 2025
• Last Session: November 20, 2025

Stay connected on our social media channels, Nixle, or check back here for updates.

Contact

Do you have any questions about the San Mateo Community Police Academy? Email us at JOINSMPD@cityofsanmateo.org.