Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island State Police Department of Public Safety

Rhode Island State Police Citizens' Academy

Program Details:

The Rhode Island State Police invites you to join us for a behind-the-scenes look into law enforcement with hands-on experiences covering various aspects of police work. Throughout the program, participants will engage in interactive sessions covering topics such as:

  • Tasers: Learn about the use and safety protocols of tasers from trained professionals.
  • Officer Safety: Gain insight into the safety measures and procedures that Troopers follow in the line of duty.
  • K-9 Demonstrations: Witness the impressive skills of our K-9 unit through live demonstrations.
  • E 9-1-1 Operation Center: Explore the inner workings of our emergency communication center and learn about the critical role it plays in public safety.
  • Patrol Operations and Procedures: Get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of Troopers and the procedures they follow.
  • Forensic Services Demonstration: Discover the fascinating world of forensic science and see firsthand how evidence is collected and analyzed.
  • Accident Reconstruction: Learn about the techniques and methods used in accident reconstruction to determine causation and prevent future incidents.
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Explore the applications and capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) in law enforcement and public safety operations.

The Citizens' Academy is scheduled to begin on September 10, 2025, and conclude on October 29, 2025. It will be held every Wednesday over a 8-week period from 6:00PM-9:00PM with a check-in time of 5:30PM.

Citizens' Academy Classroom
Citizens' Academy
Citizens' Academy

Eligibility Criteria:

To participate in the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Reside or be employed in the state of Rhode Island.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Consent to undergo a limited background check.
  • Agree to attend all sessions, with no more than one (1) excused absence.
  • Citizens' Academy application must be completed by August 1, 2025 by 11:59PM.