We are now accepting applications for the 2024 Community Academy!

Learn more below

What is the Community Academy?

Discover the Hayward Police Department's Community Academy – a certified educational program designed to immerse participants in the inner workings of our city's police force. Engage in  classes and discussions, spanning two to three hours each, over eight sessions. Join us in this innovative initiative aimed at fostering community involvement, understanding, and partnership in addressing local issues. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of law enforcement, empowering residents to grasp the intricacies of policing efforts within Hayward. Enroll for free and seize the chance to potentially earn college credit while enhancing your knowledge of our community's safety.

What are the Goals of the Community Academy?

1. Forge robust partnerships between the community and the Police Department.
2. Cultivate transparent communication channels between community members and law enforcement.
3. Illuminate the inner workings of police operations, fostering informed perspectives.
4. Provide an authentic portrayal of the Police Department, nurturing clear comprehension.

Through education, our mission is to foster understanding, accountability, responsibility, and collaboration among community members, the police force, and service organizations.

The Community Academy strives to enhance Hayward residents' comprehension of local policing. Graduates gain insights into the decision-making processes of our dedicated officers, cultivating a strong rapport between the community and its protectors.

Additionally, the academy actively supports a more engaged community and strengthens the Neighborhood Alert program. We encourage Neighborhood Alert Block Captains and Volunteers In Polices Services (VIPS) participants to actively partake in community partnerships and volunteer initiatives, solidifying our shared commitment to a safer and thriving Hayward.

What are the benefits?

When residents take a more personal look in their community, and the protection of their community and neighborhoods, they will enjoy a safer and closer relationship with their neighbors.

Why should I attend?

Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime in any community. Therefore the Hayward Police Department instituted the Community Academy in 1993 to improve the communication and obtain community input and support throughout the city. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our community. Graduates will take their knowledge to their neighborhoods where they can use it to enhance the quality of neighborhood life.

The objective of this course is not to make the graduates police officers, but better informed residents with a greater general knowledge of our many functions. Our goal is to foster enhanced community relations from these graduates and the people they touch in everyday life.

Who can attend?

Anyone who is over 18 years old, a resident of Hayward or someone who works in the city may participate.

How much does it cost?

The academy is free and open to residents who live or work in Hayward.

What if I cannot make it to all of the classes?

Participants may miss two sessions and still received a graduation certificate. In order to get the full benefits of the experience, it is important to be present for all sessions. Topics May Include:

• Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Philosophy
• Hayward Neighborhood Alert
• How to Effectively use Community Resources
• Problem Solving
• Community Preservation Services
• SMASH / Beat Health
• Police and Fire communications
• Personal Safety
• Narcotics and Drug Awareness
• Identity Theft
• Domestic Violence
• Megan’s Law
• Youth & Family Service Bureau
• School Resource Officers
• SWAT
• K9 Unit

Course dates and application to particiate:

The 2024 program will consist of 8 classes over 9 weeks, at the North Hayward Resource Center, 22701 Main St Hayward, CA.

Classes are tentatively scheduled to start on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Details on the remainder of the dates will be released soon. 

Sign up For the 2024 Community Academy

Get updates about upcoming classes and more by signing up for email updates via nixle or our City of Hayward Public Safety  mail list.