Mesa’s first Citizen Police Academy was conducted in 1991. Since then, over 1,000 people have graduated from the program. The Alumni Association was formed in 1993. In 2000, the Alumni Association filed for and was granted status as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. MCPAAA members serve as good will ambassadors to the community for the Mesa Police Department. Both the Citizen Police Academy and the Alumni Association strive to increase public awareness and understanding of law enforcement, in an effort to help build a safer community through a partnership between informed citizens and those who protect and serve.