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Programs & Services /  Citizen Police Academy

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.

Printable Application

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

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The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

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  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221


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