Citizens Police Academy

The City of Myrtle Beach Police Department is now accepting applications for the 45th Session of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). The CPA is for those persons 21 years of age or older who are interested in gaining a greater insight into police practices, police services, and how the police department works with the community. Crime Scene Investigation, Emergency Vehicle Operations and a demonstration from our K-9 unit are a few examples of topics that will be covered during the course. Please take note that the CPA only offers an “inside look” at policing but does not offer any certification or arrest powers. Applicants must reside in Horry County and undergo a criminal background check. Applicants must also attend at least 7 out of the 9 classes and complete at least a minimum of 10 hours of ride-a-longs with a maximum of 15 hours. Ride-a-longs can be completed with either day or night shift Patrol, Waterfront, Traffic or Communications/Detention service desk.

Classes will begin on Monday, September 30th, 2024 and will typically continue every Monday for 9 weeks. Classes will conclude with a Graduation Ceremony on Monday, November 25th, 2024. Class times are normally 6pm-8pm, and they will be held at the Myrtle Beach Police Annex located at 3340 Mustang Street (Old Air Force Base).

Interested applicants can obtain an application by downloading it below or obtain it from the following locations:

The Myrtle Beach Police Annex (3340 Mustang St.), or the Myrtle Beach Police Department (1101 Oak St.) 

The Citizens Police Academy is not designed to turn you into a police officer, but it will give you an appreciation of what law enforcement officers do and the decisions they must make. An optional Saturday class allows time for special (fun) topics, and graduation ceremonies are held at the end of the course.

Please direct any questions  Sgt. Jeff Thomas by e-mail jkthomas@cityofmyrtlebeach.com or by phone at 843-918-1906.

Application Download »

Please return your application to Jess Rodriguez at jrodriguez@cityofmyrtlebeach.com or submitted by mail to 3340 Mustang St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, att Jess Rodriguez no later than Monday, September 9th, 2024 at 5:00pm

Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association

After completing the Citizens Police Academy, many members have joined together to continue to support the Myrtle Beach Police Department as well as the Myrtle Beach community by joining together. In 2014, members of several past Academy classes joined together to form the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Together these members have supported the department throughout the year from providing meals during the holidays to assisting with events like parades, National Night Out as well as other needs of the department and the City. If you have successfully completed the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy and are interested in becoming a member of the Myrtle Beach Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, please go to the www.mbcpaaa.com for more information. The application is also attached.