The program is a 33-hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the Lakeway Police Department’s policies and operational practices.

Graduates are eligible to be placed on an “emergency assist” roster, which allows them to assist the Lakeway Police Department in emergency situations that require additional manpower. The police department has also implemented a “Volunteer Park Patrol” and “Call Taker” program which is staffed primarily by academy graduates.

Participants must submit an application and consent to a background check. All applicants must be a least 21 years old and either reside or work within the City of Lakeway.

Applicants who are on probation, or who have been convicted of felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude are ineligible. Class size is limited to 20 people, all of which must have passed the applicant background check. The academy is free of charge.

Applications for the Citizens Police Academy are available at the Lakeway Police Department, 104 Cross Creek Drive.

The Academy consists of 11 classes held on Monday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, covering a different area of police work each week. Police officers, their supervisors, and civilian personnel with particular expertise in a specific organizational function will conduct each instructional block.

The primary objective of the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the police department through education. The program was created to help citizens make informed decisions about police services, police activity, and why the police can or cannot do certain things.

It is further hoped that the academy will increase public awareness, dispel suspicions and misconceptions, and increase rapport between the police officers and citizens. The police department benefits by becoming more aware of the community from the participants’ interaction and input, making the venture a two-way learning experience.