Los Banos, CA (November 5, 2025) — Over the course of eight weeks, 28 residents of Los Banos came together to participate in the newly created Spanish Citizens Academy offered by the Los Banos Police Department (LBPD). The program officially began on September 9 and concluded on October 28, culminating in a graduation ceremony celebrating participants’ commitment to learning more about law enforcement, public safety and community partnership.
LBPD described the milestone as the department’s “first-ever Spanish Citizens Academy”, part of its ongoing community-engagement efforts to strengthen trust, improve understanding and enhance communication with Spanish-speaking residents. With 28 members completing the program, LBPD states that graduates are now “part of the LBPD family.”
The academy builds from LBPD’s general Citizens Academy model, which is an eight-week evening course offered to residents. Through this Spanish-language cohort, LBPD is expanding access to residents who prefer to engage in Spanish or who may benefit from Spanish-language programming.
LBPD extended special thanks to its instructors and community partners for their work in making the academy a success. The program underscores the department’s motto of “Community First” and signals a renewed emphasis on bridging the gap between law enforcement and the Spanish-speaking community.
Graduates of the Spanish Citizens Academy are encouraged to continue engaging with LBPD and the community, helping to sustain stronger lines of communication and collaboration.
