NUSA 2024 (Photo – PPD)
Now in its 15th year, Pasadena’s Community Police Academy en Español continues to build bridges between law enforcement and the city’s Spanish-speaking residents. Launched in 2010, the program was developed to better serve the Hispanic community and overcome barriers to communication and access.
By News Desk
Modeled after the department’s English-language Community Police Academy, the Spanish-language version is offered entirely in Spanish and takes place once a year. The eight-week course is designed to educate and empower Spanish-speaking residents, business owners, and property owners by providing a behind-the-scenes look at how the Pasadena Police Department operates.
Topics include police communications, criminal law and procedures, street crime enforcement, firearms training, and the citizen complaint process. The program also offers specialized workshops addressing the unique needs of the Hispanic community, such as domestic violence awareness and presentations from the Mexican Embassy.
The Academy is not intended to train individuals to become officers but rather to foster trust, improve access to resources, and encourage collaborative problem-solving between the community and law enforcement. Participants engage directly with department staff across various divisions, gaining insight into Pasadena’s policing philosophy and commitment to community partnerships.
Classes for the next cohort begin Thursday, September 25, 2025, and will be held weekly from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Pasadena Police Department. Upon successful completion, participants are invited to a graduation ceremony and may go on to volunteer with the department in a range of roles.
For more information about the Community Police Academy en Español, interested individuals can watch an informational video below. or contact Community Services Officer Hilda Jurado at hjurado@cityofpasadena.net.
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