The Rio Rancho Police Department is now accepting applications for RRPD Citizens’ Police Academy Class 23-02.

According to the city, the goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to keep the Rio Rancho Police Department connected with the community.

“The academy provides citizens with a greater understanding of all of the services and programs the Rio Rancho Police Department has to offer,” a release from the city states.

Presenters are officers from different RRPD divisions that are out in the community every day.

“As citizens learn about the police department, they will have an opportunity to meet the people behind the badge, learn who we are, and what motivates us,” the release says.

The Citizens’ Police Academy will consist of an in-person, 10-week course. It will meet from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Rio Rancho Police Department beginning Sept. 6.

The course is comprised of hands-on learning, demonstrations, and varying presentations on topics such as: patrol officer response, K9 Unit, SWAT, Criminal Investigations and more. 

The academy is open to Rio Rancho residents, Rio Rancho business owners, city of Rio Rancho employees, media personnel or anyone interested in pursuing a career with city of Rio Rancho. The class will be limited to 30 students. The deadline to apply is 6 p.m. September 5. 

Citizens interested in attending can apply online at rrnm.gov/cpa or in person at 500 Quantum Road, just west of NM 528 and south of Northern Boulevard.