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Want to Join Us?
Start Your Journey Here

The Waukesha Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to give enrollees a better understanding of the functions, operations and objectives of our Police Department. The goal is to build a positive relationship between the Waukesha Police Department and the community. The classes are designed to be interactive and is a combination of lecture and hands on. This course is not intended to be a stepping stone for those hoping to pursue a police career; it is intended to produce informed citizens. Residency in Waukesha is not a requirement.

CPA Instructor
Lieutenant Joe Hendricks
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Lieut. Hendricks has been with the Waukesha Police Department for 19 years. He started teaching the CPA class in 2023, after the retirement of previous instructor, Lieut. Gerald Habanek.

How to Apply

Requirements

To attend the Citizens Academy, applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of the City of Waukesha 

  • Be at least 18 years of age 

  • Pass a background investigation

Sessions

The Waukesha Police Department conducts one Citizens Academy per year, which lasts 10 consecutive weeks. Classes are held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings between August and November.


Attendance

A commitment to attend every session must be shown. Participants who are absent for more than 2 sessions will be evaluated for continued attendance.
 

Application

To apply for the Citizens Academy, send a letter to Lieutenant Joe Hendricks requesting consideration for admission. Your letter will be kept on file and reviewed prior to the upcoming session. Class size is limited, so you are encouraged to submit your letter early in the year of the class you wish to attend.
 

More Information

Please call or email Lieutenant Hendricks at (262) 524-3766 or jhendric@waukesha-wi.gov if you have any questions or requests for information.

Become a Citizens Academy Graduate!

Once you've completed the Citizen's Academy course, you will be invited to a graduation night that includes dinner, awards and graduation with your class. Always a fun night! Following graduation, you are welcome to join Waukesha Citizens Police Academy Association (WCPAA, Inc.) where you will continue to learn about the police department, be eligible for a ride-along each year and volunteer with the group to raise funds for the police department. 

Request to join the next CPA class!

Thanks! Lt. Hendricks will be in touch.

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