Final Notice: Deadline for Applications for KPD Citizen’s Police Academy Approaching

NEWS RELEASE

SUBJECT: Final Notice – Deadline for Applications for KPD Citizen’s Police Academy Approaching

DATE: October 14^th, 2025

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The deadline for applying for the Kingsport Police Department’s Fall Citizen’s Academy is quickly approaching. We would like to encourage those interested in attending to get their paperwork in before Wednesday, October 15^th at 5:00 p.m.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the Citizen’s Police Academy. KPD’s Citizen’s Academy is open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and either reside or work in the city limits of Kingsport.

The Academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20^th, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the months of October and November, with the final class being on Wednesday, November 12^th. Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration. A graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, November 17^th, 2025.

KPD emphasizes that the Citizen’s Academy is not designed to prepare citizens to become actual police officers. However, it will give them a chance to walk a few steps in an officer’s shoes and experience what it might be like to serve in law enforcement. The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the law enforcement field. Citizen’s Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

Topics include:

An introduction to KPD with a tour of the Justice Center
Collision and DUI investigations
Crime Scene Investigations
The Bomb Squad
Police K-9
Patrol Operations (to include traffic stops and building searches)
Use of Force
SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)

The deadline to apply for the program is Wednesday, October 15^th, 2025. Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen’s Academy needs to submit a new application even if one has been submitted in past years. A background check will be conducted on applicants prior to final acceptance in the program.

To download an application, please visit https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/programs_for_citizens/. Applications may also be obtained from the Records Division window. You may return completed applications by mail or drop off at the Kingsport Police Dept. Att Professional Standards Unit 200 Shelby St. Kingsport, TN 37660. Completed applications may also be faxed to (423) 343-9749 or scanned and emailed to the Professional Standards Unit at KPDPSU@KingsportTN.gov. For questions regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300.