Citizens Police Academy

The program is a 30-hour block of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of law enforcement and the department’s policies and operational practices.

The academy will cover a different area of police work each week. Police officers, their supervisors and civilian personnel with particular expertise in a specific organizational function will conduct each instructional block.

The primary objective of the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy is to build a better understanding between citizens and the police department through education.

The program was created to help citizens make informed decisions about police services, police activity and why the police can or cannot take action.

Lakeway Police administration hope that the academy will increase public awareness, dispel suspicions and misconceptions and improve rapport between the police officers and citizens. The police department benefits by becoming more aware of the community from the participants’ interaction and input, which makes the academy a two-way learning experience.

Participants must submit an application and consent to a background check. All applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work within the city of Lakeway. Applicants who are on probation, or who have been convicted of felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude are ineligible.

Class size is limited to 30 people, all of whom must have passed the applicant background check. The academy is free of charge.  Students must attend at least 80 percent of the classes in order to graduate.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Sergeant Eric Barto at EricBarto@lakeway-tx.gov or (512) 261-2841.

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership to the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.

Lakeway Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA)

All members of the association are graduates of the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy. The academy is conducted annually by the Lakeway Police Department and the City of Lakeway. Officer Mary Proctor, now a detective with LPD, began organizing the academy in 2004, and since then they have graduated over 200 citizens. Lieutenant Ricky Gavit is the current dean of the academy.

LCPAAA members have opportunities to volunteer on projects that enhance relations between the community and the Lakeway Police Department by promoting continuing education and a positive image of the Lakeway Police Department and law enforcement agencies in general. Additionally, the Association provides assistance as requested by the Lakeway Police Department.

Goals of LCPAAA

• To facilitate recruitment of new students for the Lakeway Citizens Police Academy
• To support the Lakeway Police Department and the citizens of Lakeway through volunteer work and fundraising that address their needs.
• To serve as effective managers of LCPAAA volunteers that support the Lakeway Police Department in a capacity that serves their mission
• To support the LCPAAA members providing up to date training programs and equipment so they can serve safely and efficiently

Visit the website at:  lakewaycpaaa.org