The Citizens’ Academy has been in existence in Cowlitz County for 13 years. The 10-week-long Academy was started by Kelso police Department and then after a few years the Longview Police Department and the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office came onboard. This partnership between the agencies allows for Instructors from the three departments to impart their specific expertise to the participants.

The main objectives of the Academy are to introduce participants to department organization/personnel, citizens/departments role in community, services/functions of department units, rules and regulations departments operate within, why officers handle situations as they do and introduce department volunteer opportunities to participants. 

The next Academy starts Wednesday March 11, 2009 and graduates May 13, 2009.

The classes are each Wednesday night from 6:30 PM till 9:30 PM. Students are expected to attend all sessions plus one weekend range day

A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants and the Academy Board reserves the right to refuse entry into the Academy for any reason.

If you are interested in an application or