Partnership. Cooperation. Understanding.

The Ruidoso Citizens’ Police Academy is a 10-week course that is designed to give village citizens a working knowledge of the Ruidoso Police Department. The Academy meets once a week, on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The RPD Citizens’ Police Academy provides attending citizens the information needed to dispel any suspicions or misconceptions about law enforcement and increase rapport between the Police and the Community. The citizens, in turn, make Police Officers more aware of community feelings and concerns.

Upcoming Academies

The next session of the Citizens’ Police Academy will run from March 6 to May 8, 2025, with a graduation ceremony on May 15, 2025. Classes will be held weekly on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. over the course of ten weeks.

Apply Today

Fill out our online application form for the Citizens' Academy. Deadline for applications is February 10, 2025.

Citizens' Police Academy Application Form

Applicant Name

First Name

Last Name

Applicant Phone

(###)

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####

Physical Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Date of Birth

YYYY

Driver's License Number

Occupation

Employer Name

Work Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Work Phone

(###)

###

####

Emergency Contact Name

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to Emergency Contact

Emergency Contact Phone

(###)

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####

Emergency Contact Home Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Civic Activities

Please list any past or present membership to any Village or County committees, commissions, boards, and list any past or present membership to a civic organization or community group.

Interests and Expectations

Please list why you are interested in attending a Citizen’s Police Academy, and list what you expect to learn by attending the Citizen’s Police Academy.

How did you find out about the Citizen’s Police Academy?

Previous Training

Have you previously participated in a Citizen’s Police Academy or other type of academy related to public safety? If yes, please include the name of the Academy, location, date(s) of attendance and whether or not you successfully completed the training.

Do you have any past arrests, convictions or pending court cases?

Be sure to include misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors or felonies.

Police Record

If you answered YES to the above question, please list below the date, agency, charge and disposition.

Background Check Authorization

I understand that a criminal history, warrant check and license check will be conducted by the Ruidoso Police Department as part of the application process. I hereby authorize any law enforcement agency to release any and all information related to me or about me to the Ruidoso Police Department.

Yes, I provide authorization for the necessary background check.

No, I do not agee. I understand that this choice nullifies my application.

Terms and Conditions

I hereby certify that there are no willful misrepresentations, omissions, or falsifications in the foregoing statements and answers/responses to the questions contained in the Citizen’s Police Academy Application. All statements and answers are true, accurate, and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further understand that falsifying, withholding, or failing to answer any and all questions complete and accurately may cause rejection from consideration for the participation in the Citizen’s Police Academy.

Yes, I agree to the terms and conditions provided.

No, I do not agee. I understand that this choice nullifies my application.

Indemnification Policy

I fully understand that participation in the Citizen’s Police Academy exposes me to the risk of personal injury, death, or property damage. I hereby acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in this training and expressly agree to assume any such risk. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the person to whom this Waiver/Authorization for Release of Information is presented and his agents and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of or by reason of complying with this request. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Village of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso Police Department from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of the use or disclosure of any information obtained by those entities as a result of this Authorization for Release of Information. Agreement to this Information will be valid as an original, even though the online application does not contain an original signature.

Rules of Conduct

ATTENDANCE: Citizen Police Academy (CPA) students shall sign in at the beginning of each session, and students are expected to stay for the duration of each session. CPA students are required [expected] to attend all training sessions; however, we do understand that unexpected family issues, work issues or emergencies may occur. In the event you are unable to attend a training session, please notify us as soon as possible. Students cannot have more than two missed sessions throughout the entire CPA. We may offer a make-up session to provide you with the full learning experience depending on whether the absence was excused or not at the discretion of the CPA staff. If excused and unexpected circumstances prevent you from attending any sessions, you will [may] be allowed to attend the session you missed during the next CPA. BREAKS: You will be given breaks approximately every hour. Please take care of personal matters during the breaks and refrain from leaving the room during the sessions. CELLULAR PHONES/PAGERS: We understand the need to stay connected with family and employers, however, please ensure your device is set on silent or vibrate to limit distractions. If you must text or take a phone call, please exit the classroom for your conversation. DRESS CODE: Comfortable and casual attire is encouraged; however, the following will not be allowed: No clothing of transparent or see-through material, No bare midriffs (half shirts), No bare feet, No spaghetti strap tank tops or muscle shirts, Shorts or dresses must be mid-thigh length or longer. T-shirts with objectionable slogans or graphics are prohibited. If you do not meet the dress code, you will be asked to go home and change to appropriate clothing. STUDENT CONDUCT: [This class is meant to be informative and educational, and we encourage discussion; however,] all students are expected to behave in a professional manner towards instructors and other students. Negative or disruptive behavior which impedes the learning environment will not be tolerated, and the student could be asked to leave. TARDINESS: [Class starts promptly at 6:00 PM.] Out of courtesy to the instructor(s) and your fellow students, please arrive to class 15 minutes early or on time. TOBACCO PRODUCTS: Smoking or other tobacco use is not permitted in the classroom or building. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas outside the building. Smoking is not permitted during outside demonstrations or class instruction. VISITORS: Due to the confidential material, undercover detectives, and officer safety, the citizen police academy is closed to all but students unless authorized by the Chief of Police. WAIVER OR LIABILITY: All students MUST sign a waiver of liability before participating in the Ruidoso Citizen Police Academy. WEAPONS: Firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited (except those carried by state-licensed peace officers). Please leave all weapons at home or secured before coming into class. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact a staff member of the Ruidoso Citizen Police Academy.

Academy Location

Ruidoso Police Department
1085 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
View map.
Telephone: (575) 258-7365

Important Notice:

Attendance for this class is capped at a limited number of participants. If more applications are received, a waiting list will be created for the next session.
A minimum number of participants is required for the class to proceed. If this minimum is not met, the Chief of Police will determine whether to continue as planned or reschedule the class.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO MAY ATTEND?

Ruidoso Citizens Police Academy Officer and Participants

The Academy is open to everyone who meets the criteria listed below. It would particularly interest those who live or work in the Village of Ruidoso. The class fills up quickly, and a waiting list is established for anyone who cannot be placed in the immediate class. Interested candidates for the Citizens’ Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

Minimum age of 18 years
No misdemeanor arrests or convictions within one year of application
No felony arrests or convictions within three years of application
Excellent character

The Police Department confidentially reviews all applications for approval. The Chief of Police selects Citizens’ Police Academy students based on the information contained in the application and the background check. A waiting list is established for anyone who cannot be placed in the immediate class.

HOW IS THE CLASS CONDUCTED?

Students meet every Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. They receive approximately 30 hours of instruction. You will be required to complete a “ride-along” with on-duty Police Officers and a two-hour observation period in Dispatch to graduate the class. The class will also include several “hands-on” opportunities. Students completing this course are honored at a graduation banquet ceremony.

HOW CAN THIS ACADEMY BENEFIT THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO?

The Police Department believes public opinion and knowledge are essential to continue the expansion of the community-policing concept. Opinions provided by citizens will play a vital role in the future of the Police Department.

How WILL THE ACADEMY IMPROVE POLICE/COMMUNITY RELATIONS?

The more information the public has about the Police Department, the fewer fears will exist. Many conflicts are caused simply by a lack of understanding, which could be avoided.

We hope the graduates of the Citizens’ Police Academy take their knowledge into the community, educate others when the opportunity arises, and make decisions that affect the City and Police Department with heightened awareness and better information.

Citizens' Police Academy

Partnership. Cooperation. Understanding.

The Ruidoso Citizens’ Police Academy is a 10-week course that is designed to give village citizens a working knowledge of the Ruidoso Police Department. The Academy meets once a week, on Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Upcoming Academies

Apply Today

Academy Location

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO MAY ATTEND?

HOW IS THE CLASS CONDUCTED?

HOW CAN THIS ACADEMY BENEFIT THE VILLAGE OF RUIDOSO?

How WILL THE ACADEMY IMPROVE POLICE/COMMUNITY RELATIONS?

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION

HOURS