Citizens' Police Academy

Our Citizens’ Police Academy is one of our most popular programs. It teaches you about the structure and activities of our department and gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with officers. You will learn about:

• Patrol procedures
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones)
• Investigations
• Traffic enforcement
• K-9 and tactical units
• Firearms and Use of Force
• Tour of the Adult Detention Center in Olathe (facilitated by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and subject to their availability)

There is no cost to attend. 

Eligibility to attend

You must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Lenexa and have no significant criminal record. We will conduct criminal history background checks on each applicant. The Chief of Police will make the final decision about the suitability of your participation. Applicants who do not live or work in Lenexa will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Automatic disqualifiers

You may not participate in the Citizens’ Police Academy if your past includes any of the following: 

• Conviction of a felony or an offense that constitutes a felony in Kansas or the United States
• Conviction of a Class A or B misdemeanor in the past five years
• Conviction of any crime of a sexual nature
• Dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces
• Exhibiting conduct that disrupts, diminishes or jeopardizes public trust in the Lenexa Police Department.

Dates and Location

Our 10-week Citizens' Police Academy runs twice a year, beginning each January and September. This class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lenexa Justice Center, 17371 Prairie Star Pkwy., Lenexa, KS 66219.

We are currently accepting applications for our fall 2026 class, which starts Sept. 2 and ends Nov. 4, 2026. 

Apply for the Citizens' Police Academy

Contact Information

Master Police Officer Danny Chavez, dchavez@lenexa.com, 913.825.8040