GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the Citizens Police Academy. KPD’s Citizens 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, March 30^th, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the months of March and April, with the final class being on Wednesday, April 22^nd. Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration. A graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, April 27^th, 2026.

 

KPD emphasizes that the Citizens 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. Citizens Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

 

Topics include:

 

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

 

The deadline to apply for the program is Friday, March 20^th, 2026. Anyone interested in participating in the Citizens 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. Attn: 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 Citizens Police Academy, please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300.

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov