Academies

Get to know your City

The City of Auburn offers opportunities for residents to learn more about their local government in the form of two academies — the Public Safety Academy and the Citizens’ Academy. These academies give residents the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their City and build relationships with staff and fellow community members.

Both academies kick off in the spring. Learn more and find applications below.

The application period has closed.

Beginning with the first Citizens' Police Academy in 1995, the program allowed citizens to come into the Auburn Police Department and learn the details of providing services to our community. Over the years, the annual program developed to include all of Auburn's Public Safety Services: Police, Fire and Emergency Management & Communications to re-launch as Auburn's Public Safety Academy in 2008.

Available to civilians in the community who are 19 years or older, the program is conducted in ten classes from March to April to cultivate a stronger relationship between Public Safety Services and Auburn's residents.

Each week, a variety of presenters will discuss topics ranging from the enforcement of building codes to crime scenes to fire prevention. The final session provides an opportunity to discuss future goals, a presentation from the Public Safety Academy Alumni Association and the Public Safety Academy graduation ceremony. The result is a group of individuals with a better understanding, appreciation and relationship with Auburn Public Safety Services and members in their community.

2024 Public Safety Academy Schedule:
March 7, 6-8:30 p.m. 
Meet members of Public Safety Administration, tour the Public Safety Complex and get introduced to Auburn Police Department (APD)

March 14, 6-8:30 p.m.
Learn all about Patrol, how they operate and the best Departments to call when situations arise

March 21, 6-8:30 p.m.
Learn all of the ways in which the Community Services section supports our Auburn community and take a deep dive with members of APD's dive team

March 23, 9-12 p.m.
See what it takes to be a firefighter, tour our Headquarters Fire Station and learn all about fire prevention techniques

March 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Learn more about Auburn Fire Department's role during medical emergencies and get CPR certified

April 4, 6-8:30 p.m.
Get to know the Auburn Emergency Management & Communications team! Tour the Communications Center and hear what developments in technology you'll see in the future

April 11, 6-8:30 p.m.
Go over gun safety basics and research-backed tactics for civilian response to active shooter situations with certified instructors

April 13, 9-12 p.m.
Take trip out to the APD Firearm Range to participate in demonstrations from the Lee County SWAT team, K9 unit and more

April 18, 6-8:30 p.m.
Hear from Auburn detectives about their investigative techniques. Process your own crime scene and learn how new technologies are used by the department

April 23, 6-8 p.m.
Meet members of the Public Safety Academy Alumni Association followed by graduation ceremonies

The application period has closed.

Applications are open through Monday, Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. Residents should only apply if they plan to attend the majority of the sessions and will miss no more than two sessions (schedule is below). The program is open to all Auburn residents who are at least 19 years old. Space is limited. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by March.

The Citizens' Academy launched in 2022 and provides a behind-the-scenes look at all City departments. Its purpose is to inspire an engaged citizenry by strengthening the relationship between residents and their local government and providing a deeper understanding of City operations through departmental visits, hands-on activities and candid conversations.

Participants will graduate with the knowledge of day-to-day operations, the tools to get more involved and a stronger connection with fellow community members and City staff across all departments.

The annual program takes place over seven months (March-September) with one daylong session per month, totaling seven sessions.

2024 Citizens' Academy Schedule:
Session 1 - March 20
Session 2 - April 18
Session 3 - May 14
Session 4 - June 20
Session 5 - July 24
Session 6 - Aug. 21
Session 7 - Sept. 19