NPD's Community Academy provides our community with an inside look at the Novato Police Department. Participants are introduced to a variety of policing topics and provided an overview of the police department's essential services and activities.

The 5-week course includes weekly sessions, on a weeknight, at the police department and one field day session held on a Saturday. 

Participants have an opportunity to ride-along with an officer on patrol and to experience our virtual reality training simulator. Police employees teach the academy classes and students are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and learn more about police activities.

The Community Academy has become a key element in the Novato Police Department's commitment to community policing and has created a collaborative partnership with the community.

Many of our graduates have gone on to become police volunteers! Our longstanding Community Academy for Spanish speakers will be offered in the spring while our English Language Community Academy will be offered during the fall.

The Novato Police Department selects participants through an online application process. Academy participants must meet the following criteria:

• Ages 16 or older who live and/or work in Novato are encouraged to apply!
• Successfully pass a background check*
• Have no felony convictions
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within one year of the application

*US residency status is not a component of the background check

For more general information or to apply, please see the brochure and application linked below or call the Novato Police Department at 415.897.4361.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Next Class: Fall 2026!

Contact