Community Police Academy

The Toronto Police Service recognizes that public expectations of its police service have changed with priority being placed on transparency, accountability, and collaborative, respectful engagements. We want this too and we believe that a Community Police Academy can have a positive impact on how the public views the police.

This nine-week course will teach you all about policing in Toronto. From our rich history, to neighbourhood policing, to crime scene management, to how we investigate violent crimes, the lessons will give you deeper knowledge into how, and why, we do the things we do.

Taught by subject matter experts at the Service, students will also gain a better understanding of how they can partner with us to keep our communities safe.

The Academy is free to anyone 16 years of age and older who lives, works, or volunteers in the city of Toronto. Students must attend every week in order to graduate; exceptions will only be made under exigent circumstances.

Hosted by the Toronto Police College, located at 70 Birmingham Street, in south Etobicoke, this best-in-class training facility will offer in-class lectures and discussions as well as practical exercises.

The Toronto Police Service has partnered with Humber College to offer credits upon successful completion of the Community Police Academy. Graduates will be recognized by Chief Mark Saunders and will be eligible for exemption from one course (3 credits) in Humber’s Police Foundations Diploma.

Our Academy will be a place where the public can learn about the police, community safety and crime prevention. We want our communities to be informed so they can be empowered to positively impact community safety and well-being.

Learn about Humber’s

Police Foundations Diploma Testimonials

Schedule

The course is offered on Saturdays and runs for 9 weeks. There are no classes on Statutory Holidays. Please note each class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., unless otherwise noted in the schedule.

Spring 2020: Our Spring 2020 course has been cancelled due to the precautionary response to Covid-19. Please continue to check our website for further updates on the Fall 2020 course. March 21 (Opening day), 28, April 4, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 23 & 30 (Graduation). No classes on Easter (April 11) or Victoria day weekend (May 16)

Fall 2020: September 26 (Opening day), October 3, 17, 24, 31, November 7,14, 21 & 28 (Graduation). No classes on: Thanksgiving (October 14).

When and How to Apply?

An application option will be added to this page for interested applicants to apply for the 2020 sessions:

Spring session: Our Spring 2020 course has been cancelled due to the precautionary response to Covid-19. Please continue to check our website for further updates on the Fall 2020 course. Application portal will be open from Monday January 27, 2020 to Monday February 24, 2020.

Fall session: No applications are being accepted for the Fall 2020 course at this time. Application portal will be open from Tuesday August 4, 2020 to Monday August 31, 2020.

We are preparing for Spring and Fall 2021 courses - please keep checking this page for future updates.

ONLY APPLICANTS WHO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED WILL BE NOTIFIED WITH AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER VIA EMAIL.

Course Outline

A complete schedule will be available on the first day of class but students can expect the curriculum to include the following areas of the Toronto Police Service:

Police Training such as arrest authorities, use of force, police vehicles, practical scenarios.

Investigations such as including Homicide, Sex Crimes, Firearms, Cybercrime, and Forensics.

Topics of interest such as Mental Health, Diversity, Elder Abuse, Domestic Violence, Traffic Safety, Community Partnerships and Neighbourhood Policing.

News & Views

Community Close Up of Policing (tpsnews.ca, June 18, 2017)

School in Session (tpsnews.ca, April 4, 2017)

Empowering Community (tpsnews.ca, December 13, 2016)

TPS launches program that helps civilians learn about policing (sharenews.com, October 26, 2016)

Public Goes to Police College (tpsnews.ca, October 25, 2016)

Videos

Photo Album