Community Police Academy

The purpose of the Bay Village Division of Police Community Police Academy is to provide information to the citizens who attend, so they may make informed judgments about the Bay Village Division of Police and police activity. Understanding can dispel suspicions and misconceptions, and increase police/community rapport. The Division, in turn, becomes more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through input from the students. This will help to establish open lines of communication and cooperation in our shared goal of achieving the best police service for the citizens of Bay Village.

What topics are covered?

The Community Policing Academy covers a wide variety of topics, including areas usually seen by the public and areas not usually seen by the public. Citizens examine training and the application of the Community-Oriented Policing philosophy. We will discuss topics including OVIs, Special Units (S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad), computer crimes, laws, and many more topics and issues related to law enforcement.  

When and where does the Academy meet?

The Community Police Academy meets once a week (Thursdays) for 12 weeks. Classes will be held at BVPD from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. beginning Thursday, September 7, and ending on Tuesday, November 21 with Graduation. Any student who misses more than two meetings will not be able to graduate. 

We will occasionally have portions of classes outside, so please dress accordingly for the weather. Casual clothing is recommended. 

Who can apply?

• Persons 21 years old and older

• Persons who are Bay Village residents
• Persons involved in community activities
• Persons who live outside the City of Bay Village but are business owners or employed in the city.
• Persons able to make a commitment to attend the eleven-week course

Applicants who would not be considered are:

• Persons who have employment applications pending with a law enforcement agency. (It is not the intent of the BVPD to further the career choices of the students.)
• Direct relatives of current police officers living in the same household.
• Persons with a known criminal history.
• Persons under 21 years of age.
• Persons living outside the City of Bay Village who have no other ties to the city.

Local records and criminal history will be checked, as will outstanding warrant and driving histories. Persons with a history of theft, public intoxication, or repeated offenses will not be considered. Persons who are the subject of a protective order will not be considered. Persons with extensive driving records will be looked at to determine if their reasons for wanting to attend the Community Police Academy conform with the goals of the Academy and Division of Police.

Once the application period is closed, applicant selections will be made by the Academy staff, with the final approval by the Chief of Police. Applications are due by Friday, September 1, 2023, and can be dropped off at BVPD, or emailed to Off. Darren Ingham at dingham@cityofbayvillage.com. Staff will create a waiting list from accepted applications that were not able to be included in this class due to class size. If an opening occurs prior to the beginning of the class, the next person on the waiting list will be contacted.

NOTE: If accepted, applicants are not permitted to bring children or weapons to any class!!

How do I apply to attend?

To apply to the Bay Village Division of Police Community Police Academy, see below for printable and fillable forms. Completed applications can be mailed to the address included at the bottom of the application or emailed to Officer Ingham.

Community Police Academy Application printable (PDF)

Community Police Academy Application fillable (PDF)

Any incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered.

For additional information or questions, please email Officer Darren Ingham or call 440-871-1234.

Community Police Academy Information Sheet