Twenty-six San Mateo residents will get a behind-the-scenes look at local policing when the San Mateo Police Department's free Community Police Academy kicks off Thursday, September 17.

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed Friday, July 17, but the department runs the program annually.

The academy is part of SMPD's community policing effort. The department says on its official program page that it aims to give residents "a transparent lens into the internal workings of your police department." Classes are taught by San Mateo officers and local law enforcement experts at SMPD headquarters, 200 Franklin Parkway.

What participants will see

The 10-week curriculum runs every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. through graduation on Thursday, November 19. Sessions cover traffic stops and DUI enforcement, criminal investigations, SWAT and dispatch operations, K-9 units, crime prevention, crime-scene processing, and youth services. One evening puts attendees on the firearms range and inside a high-tech force-options simulator.

Classes mix classroom instruction with role-play scenarios and hands-on exercises. No one is required to perform actual police duties, and participants can opt out of any practical drill. Attendees also gain access to restricted facilities not normally open to the public.

Timeline for the 2026 cycle

Acceptance notifications will go out the week of Monday, August 3. Accepted participants must confirm their spot by Monday, August 24. The San Mateo Police Department announced the application window on June 23 via its verified @sanmateopd account on X and posted a final-week reminder on July 13.

The 2026 application window opened in late June. Residents who missed it can monitor SMPD's website or the @sanmateopd account on X for future announcements.

Who is eligible

The academy is open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in San Mateo. The department states on its program page that citizenship is not required and immigration status is not a factor. All accepted applicants must pass a background investigation before being officially admitted, and SMPD reserves the right to disqualify any applicant without stating a reason.

Attendees wear a department-issued polo shirt and identification lanyard during class.

How to learn more

Community Relations Officer Jeanine Luna coordinates community programs for SMPD and can be reached at [email protected] or (650) 522-7722. General program questions can also be directed to [email protected].