The Community Outreach Workshop Series takes you "behind the badge" to learn about the many aspects of law enforcement. Whether you attend the quarterly half-day sessions or the 10-week Citizen's Academy experience, our goal is to provide citizens with open discussion and hands-on activities that foster better understanding of how the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department works with the community.

Each Citizen's Academy contains a target group of about 35 participants. These individuals are selected from all areas of Mecklenburg County, and efforts are made to include members of the business and religious communities, as well as, local community leaders, elected officials, media representatives and the like.

Each Citizens Academy Registration  is reviewed by departmental personnel, and each applicant is subject to a general background check. Final selection of participants rests with the Chief of Police.