Crime Prevention

Preventing a crime is far easier than solving one. The Killeen Police Department has many resources to keep you from becoming a victim. Please feel free to contact our Crime Prevention Unit for information and resources to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property.

Banner National Night Out, Save the Date, Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Opens in new window

Celebrate with us by joining in on the 40th Annual National Night Out (NNO), crime and drug prevention event, that is designed to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relationships.

Residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening outside with their neighbors. If you don’t already know your neighbors, NNO is a great way to start a relationship! 

The more cohesive a neighborhood is, the more likely they will report suspicious activity in their neighborhood rather than "look the other way". When a neighborhood is united, overall the crime in their area is reduced. You can celebrate with a cookout, block party, ice cream social, activity or just a handshake. 

The key is to get everyone involved. Join us by sending a message to criminals that you and your neighbors are organized and fighting back against crime and drugs. Download our National Night Out Event Packet by clicking here for more tips, ideas, and the NNO Registration form. Neighborhoods who register their neighborhood will get a visit from the Killeen Police Department and the McGruff Crime Dog. 

Citizens' Police Academy

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 12- week course conducted by the Killeen Police Department. This course is designed to give the community a better understanding of police operations and procedures. Citizens attending the Academy will receive training in numerous topics within the department aiming to giving them the basic understanding and familiarity of police works.

The Citizens Police Academy is offered during the Spring and Fall season each year. The academy will meet Monday evening from 6PM – 9PM with one Saturday Session for Range Day. Range day will be full day event scheduled to start at 8:30 AM. The Citizen’s Police Academy is open to every individual who is interested in attending, however, if you live or work in the City of Killeen and are a qualified applicant you will be given the next available seat based on capacity. 

There are no exams, homework, or graded exercises to be completed during this academy. Students must attend at least 80 % of the class. At the Graduation Ceremony each student will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Course Topics
OrganizationActive ShooterRecruitment
Youth OutreachPatrolRide-a-Long
Crime PreventionHostage NegotiationVictim's Assistance
S.W.A.TSpecial VictimsPolice K-9
General CrimesRobbery-HomicideTraffic Unit
Homeless Outreach TeamInternal AffairsDefensive Tactics
Property CrimesOrganized CrimeSpecial Guest Speakers

Next Class:

SPRING 2023
CPA Classes: March 13th – May 22nd
Enrollment Period is from January 13th- February 17th

FALL 2023
CPA Classes: August 7th – October 16th
Enrollment Period is from June 20th - July 21

 **Applications received before the Enrollment Period will automatically be declined.**

Those interested in the Citizen's Police Academy program may email the Crime Prevention Unit or call 254-501-8805. You must at least 18 years of age and be able to pass a criminal background history.

Citizen's Police Academy Application (PDF).

Killeen Police Volunteer Program

Citizens on Patrol

The Killeen Police Department Citizens on Patrol program is an effort to bring together interested citizens of Killeen in order to become more aware of the law enforcement problems facing their community. The program is designed to educate interested individuals to problems unique to their neighborhood and to assist in developing a community patrol group. The desired effect of the program is to increase the understanding and cooperation between volunteer citizens and the police officers of the City of Killeen, which will lead to more criminal activity being reported as it is occurring, and the quicker apprehension of the offender.  

The primary objective of the Killeen Citizens on Patrol is to help the police department through observation to reduce crime, educate citizens on crime prevention and improve the quality of life within neighborhoods.

Citizens who are interested in volunteering should first sign up to attend the next Citizen Police Academy (The Killeen Police Department offers two Citizen Police Academy classes per year.)

Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA)

The group is composed of graduates of the department's citizen police academy. These citizens have expressed a desire to stay involved with the department after their graduation from the CPA. 

The association goals are to support the department and our officers' efforts to effectively police the community. Yearly the alumni association presents the Killeen Police Department uniformed officer of the year. The alumni volunteer approximately 3000 hours a year, performing different functions within the police department. 

The alumni association remains a strong supporter of our law enforcement efforts and their volunteer hours are an effective tool in curbing manpower needs in the department's non-enforcement activities.

Neighborhood Watch

A Neighborhood Watch program is a group of people living in the same area who want to make their neighborhood safer. They work together, and with assistance from local law enforcement they reduce crime and improve their quality of life. 

Neighborhood Watch (NW) groups have regular meetings to plan how they will accomplish their specific goals and assign responsibilities to all members. It is an opportunity to volunteer and work toward increasing the safety and security of our homes and community. You can make a difference by taking the time to watch out for your neighbors and report suspicious activities to the police department. 

Watch groups are not vigilantes but are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe. This is another opportunity for neighbors to be able to address any community concerns in the area. If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Program or requesting a meeting for your neighborhood, contact our Crime Prevention Unit.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

  • Reduction in Crime
  • Great sense of security
  • Better quality of Life
  • Relationships with Neighbors
  • Building community pride and unity together
  • Helping others in the community

Crime Prevention Presentation

The Killeen Police Department Crime Prevention Unit is available to present Safety Tips, Neighborhood Watch, and Crime Prevention Presentations to church groups, civic groups, and other associations. 

To schedule a presentation please email the Crime Prevention Unit or call 254-501-8805.

SECURITY SURVEYS

Security survey is a site inspection designed to identify security weaknesses and make options for consideration for strengthening security that will help minimize criminal victimization. These surveys are made at the request of a homeowner or business and involve the inspection of a premises as to compliance with the State's mandated security requirements.

BUSINESS WATCH

The business watch program is a free crime prevention and personal safety program for businesses and employees. The program focuses on various crime prevention strategies through education and information presentations. 

The program is intended to enhance communication between the police department and the business community, and to educate merchants and employees on crime prevention strategies. It was also designed to help establish a sense of community awareness among business proprietors to prevent crimes against businesses.