Community Safety

Want to know more about how our Public Safety Divisions operate in the City of Atlanta? Come out and participate in the APD’ s and AFD’s Citizens Academies. You can also get involved through Court Watch a citizen training program offered by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.

Citizens' Police Academy

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) strives for transparency in its operations, the Citizens Police Academy provides a hands-on opportunity to educate the citizens of Atlanta on the operations of the Department while obtaining valuable feedback from citizens to enhance police and community relations. The Citizens Police Academy provides insight into the internal workings of APD.
 The Atlanta Police Citizens Academy will include over 30 hours of instruction taught in three-hour sessions. Participation in the Academy requires a commitment of one night a week for a ten—twelve week period. Classes will be offered on the following subject matter:
  • Crime Scenes
  • 911
  • Internal Affairs
  • Identity Theft
  • Use of Force
  • Criminal Procedure
  • See Something Say Something
  • K9 Demonstration
  • Zone Ride-A-Long
  • And More!
The Atlanta Police Department strives to reflect a diverse group of participants.  Applicants will be evaluated and notified when they are selected to participate. Potential candidates for the Citizens Police Academy should meet, but are not limited to the following criteria:
  • Be a resident of the Metropolitan Atlanta area
  • Minimum age of 21 years
  • No felony convictions
  • No misdemeanor convictions within one year of application
After completion of the application, consent forms and a waiver form, a standard background check will be completed. To apply contact your Community Events Director, Elizabeth Espy at:
Phone: 404-546-2531
Email: enespy@atlantaga.gov.

Citizens' CourtWatch

One of the most successful and recognizable Fulton County Community Prosecution initiatives is the Citizens’ Court Watch program. Often dubbed the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community in court, CourtWatch was created by District Attorney Howard as a vehicle to engage average citizens in the criminal justice system. As Community Prosecutors track cases involving repeat offenders and those of general interest to the community, CourtWatchers are encouraged to attend court proceedings and, when deemed appropriate by the Court, offer perspective regarding the impact a defendant’s criminal activity has on a community.

Each spring, the District Attorney’s Office hosts its annual CourtWatch training program where citizens receive a crash-course education in judicial processes and felony case proceedings. The annual training session is typically held at the Fulton County Justice Center Tower: however, mini-training sessions  are offered at rotating venues throughout the County during the year and are open to all Fulton County residents. To schedule a mini CourtWatch training in your area, or to learn more about becoming a Citizens' CourtWatcher, email courtwatch@fultoncountyga.gov

Citizen's Fire Academy

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Citizens Fire Academy is designed for community leaders and other citizens who have a genuine desire to reduce the number of lives lost and the amount of property damage in our city. The program covers departmental policies, procedures, staffing, and the "why’s" of Fire Department operations. This dynamic eight day program provides knowledge about fire prevention, rescue, communication, hazardous material identification, fire extinguisher training, basic first aid, and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Citizens will be allowed to participate in practical drills, both firefighting and emergency medical exercises.

Participants will complete this course being more conscious of their environment and will become more safety oriented. Certificates will be awarded to participants during graduation exercises at the completion of this course. For more information please contact: Coordinator Captain Teresa Hicks at 404-546-4405 or Co-Coordinator Captain Irwin Reese at 404-985-9777.  ​
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Atlanta Citizens Police Academy
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Atlanta Fire Department Citizens Academy
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Fulton County CourtWatch