The Scottsboro Police Department and Chief Greg Godfrey are proud to announce that they will be hosting their Annual Citizens Police Academy Program. This program gives area citizens and business people a unique opportunity to gain some first-hand information about the Scottsboro Police Department and the legal system.
The purpose of the Citizens Academy is to increase the understanding of law enforcement duties and responsibilities in order to foster cooperative problem solving between the Scottsboro Police Department and the community.
There is no charge for the classes. Citizens will learn about the challenges faced by police officers, laws affecting citizens, the judicial system and emergency management.
Participants personally interact with officers, detectives and other personnel in a non-traditional law enforcement setting.
Topics taught during the Academy include police training, roles and responsibilities of officers, use of firearms and deadly force options, criminal investigative skills, traffic laws, crime scene search, communications, narcotics, gang education and specialized units. Some of these classes are hands-on and require student participation.
In order to enhance and develop citizen awareness and understanding of the police role in our community, the Scottsboro Police Department developed the Citizens Police Academy.
This concept in law enforcement is designed for citizens of all backgrounds and occupations in order that they may get a better understanding of what law enforcement is all about.
The program consists of 20-24 hours of police training, every Wednesday night from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., at the Scottsboro Police Department, beginning on August 12, 2026 and ending on September 30, 2026.
Areas covered include criminal law, crime prevention, investigations, drugs, DUI, patrol, use of force, the firing range and more. Also included is a 6-hour ride along program where the applicant rides with on-duty officers.
The objective of this program is not to, and will not, make the graduates police officers, but to better inform citizens of Scottsboro of police officers’ many functions and to enhance community relations from these graduates and the people they touch in everyday life.
Department is committed to establishing close working ties with the members of the community they serve and establishing channels of communication in order to be responsive to the needs and desires of the community.
The Department is aiming to build a stronger relationship between the community and the department while educating the community about police operations.
This is a way for the community to be involved with the police department, and for the police department to be involved with the community.
Citizens applying for the Academy must adhere to the following standards:
1. Must be 21 years of age or older.
2. No criminal record other than minor traffic violations.
3. Physically able to meet training requirements.
4. Must attend 7 of the 9 classroom sessions.
5. Must complete the ride along (6 hours minimum).
6. Must sign all required waivers & agreements.
7. Must wear appropriate clothing.
Applications may be picked up at the Scottsboro Police Department or submitted online at
www.scottsboropd.org. Applications must be turned in by April 23, 2026.
All applicants will be notified by e-mail, mail or by phone upon their acceptance. Please be sure to include current contact information on the application. Direct any questions to the Scottsboro Police Department by calling (256) 574-4468.
