Bend Police announce Community Academy beginning April 7, 2026 

The Bend Police Department invites community members to apply for its 42nd Community Academy beginning in April.   

Community Academy will take place from April 7 through June 16, with 11 classroom dates and one range day on Saturday, May 9.

Our Community Academy is designed to offer an inside look at policework and how the Bend Police Department operates, with a goal of informing and educating participants about how local police officers carry out their work.  

Each class focuses on a different aspect of law enforcement, from patrol and investigations to nonsworn roles like records and evidence. During the Community Academy, participants will also learn about specialty assignments, including traffic, K9s, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team. The program also offers a behind-the-scenes look at issues like mental health and officer survival. Classes are taught by officers and staff who have expertise in each specific area.  

The class will meet once a week for 11 consecutive weeks, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. The Community Academy can accommodate 40 students per session. There is no charge to participate in the Community Academy. Preference is given to those who live in Bend city limits.  

Learn more by visiting the Bend Police website.  

To participate, please complete and submit the Community Academy Application online. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 27.