We are a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities.

We value (Our core values)

Professionalism – Be our best. Set the standard.
Accountability – Be responsible. Own our actions.
Integrity – Be honest. Do the right thing.
Responsiveness – Be deliberate. Follow through with intent.

The Yuma Way serves as our guiding principles and provides employees with clear purpose and direction. It is intended to help guide our thinking, actions, and behaviors – which directly affect our organizational culture. Employees demonstrate the Yuma Way in how we perform our work and in the services we provide to our community.

When the application for attendance is submitted, the applicant must be incoming 7th grade thru incoming 12th grade. They must be enrolled in school with a passing grade. They must also be enrolled in school with a passing grade.

Applicants must provide their own transportation to and from the Yuma Police Department (1500 S 1st Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364).

Note: This program is centered around and geared toward students interested in law enforcement or criminal justice opportunities. All applicants must be of good moral character, with no significant and/or violent criminal activity, gang associations/affiliations, or arrest history.

A background check and interview will be conducted on all applicants before full acceptance into this academy program to determine suitability, maturity, and eligibility. Students not exercising suitable behavior or who become disruptive during any portion of this course may be subject to termination from the program. Minor criminal/status offense infractions (e.g., shoplifting/vaping) may not automatically exclude participation.

Applicants will be notified in writing of a scheduled interview time before being accepted into the academy. Those meeting the requirements will be notified via letter mailed to the address provided on their application if email is unavailable.

Only 15 to 20 applicants will be accepted into this academy. This is a highly competitive and enriching opportunity. Please be detailed and thorough in your application and explain why you should be selected to attend.

A picture ID of both the applicant and parent/legal guardian is required before the start of the program.

A 250-word typed essay must be completed and attached to the application before submission. Applicants must detail why they want to attend the Teen Academy and what they have done to prepare for it.