Community Programs

Citizen's Police Academy

This unique and thought provoking eight-week course is aimed at adults from the ages of 18 and beyond. Its goal is to educate the public on the various aspects of police work within the City of Opelika - the various divisions, the training officers must go through, the dangers faced by Opelika 's force on a daily basis. Click here to learn more about the Citizen's Police Academy .

Youth Camp

Our annual youth camp is for fourth grade students, going into the fifth grade. It is for children who might not otherwise get to participate in a summer activity. It is four days of fun in the sun at Springvilla Park. Click here to learn more about the Youth Camp.

Shop with a Cop Program

The Opelika Police Department’s Shop with a CopProgram is focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and youth in our community. Local children are selected to the program and will have the opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for their family and items for themselves while accompanied by a police officer. Once shopping is complete, the child will enjoy a meal with police officers at the department while community volunteers wrap their gifts to take home. Click here to learn more.

Crime Prevention Surveys

Opelika Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer will come to your home or business and perform a crime prevention survey. He or she will point out the areas where you may be vulnerable to crime and give practical solutions to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Neighborhood Watch

The Opelika Police Department sponsors a neighborhood watch program. This is designed to reduce crime in a specific neighborhood by increased vigilance and reporting. It is very effective when there is adequate participation by at least 75% of the people living within the affected neighborhood.

Drug Awareness Talks

Opelika Police Officers go to many area schools and churches to speak about the dangers of drugs and drug abuse. We also do the same for many private businesses who wish to inform their employees of these dangers to promote a safer work environment for everyone.

Pre-K Activities

Several times throughout the year we interact with the Pre-K programs in Opelika. We give motivational speeches, tours of the Police Department and positive role models for the young children involved in the Pre-K program.

Crisis Youth Intervention

Several times a month we act as intermediaries between the school system and the Lee County Youth Development Center. This targets at-risk kids and strives to turn them around before they commit serious crimes and are forced to face the inevitable consequences of their actions. This is done by giving the kids involved exposure to the juvenile justice system, as an observer, to hopefully change the path they are on.

McGruff

The Opelika Police Department provides a “McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog” to area schools, businesses, daycares, and churches. McGruff is a big hit with the kids and a lot of fun for the officers who accompany McGruff.