Grimsby residents curious about day-to-day police work can now apply for the 2026 Citizen Police Academy offered by the Niagara Regional Police Service. Applications are open until August 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. for the free eight-week program that kicks off in October.
The academy runs every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and wraps up with a graduation celebration in week nine. Through hands-on activities and conversations with officers and civilian staff, participants get a behind-the-scenes look at investigations, traffic enforcement, tactical operations, and community safety efforts.
Grimsby sits within the NRPS 8 District, which also covers Lincoln and West Lincoln, and the district station is right on 45 Clarke Street. While many sessions take place at NRPS headquarters at 5700 Valley Way in Niagara Falls, some may be held at other police sites across Niagara.
Now in its third year after successful runs in 2024 and 2025, the program is a key piece of the service’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, which puts community trust and engagement front and centre. Chief Bill Fordy, who has led the service since February 2024, has made building relationships a priority.
Anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Niagara can apply, as long as they pass a background check and commit to attending all sessions. Because space is limited, interested people are encouraged to apply soon through the police service’s website.
