Inside the Pearland Police Department: Community, Education, and Engagement

The Pearland Police Department plays a role in the community that extends well beyond emergency response and patrol duties.

In response to questions from Talk of Pearland, the department shared details about its priorities, outreach efforts, and programs designed to help residents better understand how policing works in Pearland and how officers engage with the community on a daily basis.

A Focus on Community Engagement

According to the Pearland Police Department, community education and engagement are a priority for the agency. Officers regularly participate in presentations and outreach efforts for a wide range of groups, including students in Pearland schools and members of the senior community at the Knapp Center.

These efforts are intended to build trust, improve communication, and give residents a clearer picture of the work officers do outside of responding to calls for service.

Citizens Police Academy

One of the department’s primary outreach initiatives is the Citizens Police Academy (CPA).

The CPA is designed for residents who want a deeper, behind-the-scenes understanding of law enforcement operations and decision-making. Participants receive hands-on instruction and insight into many aspects of policing, including:

The hiring and training process

Patrol operations and dispatch

SWAT

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

K-9 units

Drone operations and law enforcement technology

DWI investigations

Crash investigations

Classes are held Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. The program is free to attend and is offered twice a year, in the spring and fall. Graduates may also choose to join the Pearland Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, which supports the department’s mission and community initiatives.

The CPA is open to individuals who live or work in the Pearland area. Participants must be at least 18 years old (or 17 if attending with an immediate family member) and complete a basic background check. Classes often fill quickly.

Teen Citizens Police Academy

The Pearland Police Department also offers a Teen Citizens Police Academy, a free four-day educational program modeled after the adult academy.

The teen program provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the department’s operations and the importance of community policing. It also allows officers to engage directly with young residents and hear their perspectives on issues affecting the community.

Staying Informed

The Pearland Police Department encourages residents to stay informed by following the department on its official Facebook and Instagram pages, where updates, photos, and information about community programs are regularly shared.

Additional information about outreach programs and community initiatives is available on the City of Pearland’s website.

Community Outreach & Programs:

https://www.pearlandtx.gov/departments/police/divisions/administrative-services-division/community-outreach/-fsiteid-1