Interested in law enforcement? Enroll in APD’s Global Teen Police Academy and learn more about the daily functions of the Aurora Police Department and what police officers do. The Global Teen Police Academy (GTPA) is open to students, 14 - 17 years old.
Classes are held over a two (2) week period, with daily morning (8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (1 - 5:30 p.m.) classes available. Most classes are held at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.
What is GTPA?
The Global Teen Police Academy is a two (2) week program designed to give youth a working knowledge of the Aurora Police Department. It consists of a series of interactive classes held daily and taught by the department’s Student Resource Officers. There is no cost to participate; each participant must undergo a background check.
When is GTPA?
There are two sessions of the 2023 Global Teen Police Academy scheduled, each with morning (8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) or afternoon (1 – 5:30 p.m.) classes:
- June 12-23 (graduation on June 24)
- July 10-21 (graduation on July 22)
Who can participate in GTPA?
Youth who apply for the Global Teen Police Academy must be 14 - 17 years of age. Applicants are accepted from all metro-area cities, but applicants from Aurora are given first preference to attend classes. A valid driver's license or learner's permit is encouraged, but not required.
Why join GTPA?
Relational Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime. To help increase engagement between youth and their local police department, the Aurora Police Department launched Global Teen Police Academy in 2014. Graduates gain knowledge that they can implement to enhance the quality of life and safety in their community.
What is taught at GTPA?
Youth will gain a working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities required to be a law enforcement officer in Aurora. Classes included:
- 911 Communications
- Traffic & Criminal Law
- Vice and Narcotics
- K9 & SWAT
- Investigations & Gang Awareness
- Crime Prevention & Internet Safety
- Firearms Safety
- Obstacle Course
- Advanced Drivers Training
- “Shoot vs. Don’t Shoot” scenarios
Goals
1. Provide youth with a unique opportunity to better understand how police work is conducted in their community.
2. Create safe, nonenforcement spaces for youth to develop new relationships with officers while also learning how and why officers make the decisions they do while performing their duty.
Beyond GTPA
GTPA graduates are encouraged to join Explorers Post 2024 to continue their involvement in the field of law enforcement; membership to the Explorer Post also provides for an interactive, and ongoing, relationship with the Police Department.
Application
Three ways to apply!
1. Digital: click to download an application and waiver, complete all pages, including signatures, and email to [email protected]. (English or Spanish)
2. Print: click to download an application and waiver, print and complete all pages, including signatures, and email to [email protected] OR mail to:
GTPA
Attn: CRS
13347 E. Montview Blvd
Aurora, CO 80045
3. Mail: call 303.739.7653 and request an application be mailed to you