- Assessor's Office
- Attorney's Office
- Building Department
- Central Fire Alarm
- Comptroller's Office
- Contract Compliance & Administration
- Councilmembers
- Department of Information Technology
- Economic Development
- Emergency Services & Safety
- Engineering Department
- Finance Department
- Highway Department
- Human Resources
- Office of the Supervisor
- Planning Department
- Police Department
- Senior Services
- Town Clerk
- Town Court
- Youth and Recreation Department
The Citizen Police Academy offers a comprehensive “exposure” course through thirteen consecutive sessions, guiding selected individuals from diverse backgrounds. Led by officer-instructors, participants engage in collaborative activities that foster connections, break down barriers, and dispel stereotypes. Graduates gain a deeper understanding of the critical role police officers play in the community.
The program includes a tour of police headquarters demonstrations and hands-on training. Sessions cover recent investigations, including homicides, narcotics cases, and domestic violence cases Participants also learn about crime intelligence, evidence-collection procedures, crime prevention strategies, and safety education.
Students are given the opportunity to shoot at the range and participate in a ride-along with a uniformed officer, providing firsthand insight into a patrol officer's duties. The program continuously evolves, incorporating feedback from both students and instructors to enhance the experience.
Graduates have included individuals from diverse professions, such as the Town Supervisor, Town Council members, physicians, homemakers, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and media professionals. Feedback consistently highlights the Academy’s success in fostering positive public perception and understanding of police work.
Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at either the Amherst Police Headquarters or the Amherst Police Community Policing and Training Facility. Class as first come, first served basis, as class size is limited. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either reside or work in the Town of Amherst.
For additional information, contact the Amherst Police Department Community Outreach Unit at communitypolicing@apdny.org or call 716-689-1378.
To apply, download and complete the application form below and submit it to the Community Outreach Unit at Amherst Police Headquarters, 500 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228.