Our Citizen’s Police Academy is full for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please visit our social media pages @uripublicsafety to stay up to date with our other outreach opportunities.

The University of Rhode Island Police Department sponsors an annual Citizens’ Police Academy  The academy is held for approximately fifteen weeks.  The purpose of the academy is to create better understanding and communication between the police department and the community through education.

URI students, faculty and staff are eligible to apply and the academy is open to a limited number of people who will be selected after a background screening which may include university conduct screening, criminal history check, personal reference check and interview.

The courses are designed to move quickly and include interesting information and  many classes consist of practical, hands-on training.   A ride-a-long with the URI Police Officer while on duty will be available during the program.  Some of the topics that will be discussed include vehicle law, DUI Law, narcotics, patrol procedures, K-9 demonstration, and crime scene forensics.  View the class schedule here.

Check out this article on our Citizens’ Academy!

For more information, please contact Lt. Tom Quaratella or apply here!