Where is Police Academy Filmed?
The Police Academy franchise, which consists of seven films, has been a beloved and iconic part of pop culture since the first movie was released in 1984. The series follows the misadventures of a group of bumbling police recruits as they navigate the challenges of becoming police officers. But have you ever wondered where the iconic scenes from the movies were filmed? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the filming locations of the Police Academy franchise.
Where is Police Academy Filmed?
The answer to this question is a bit complex, as the films were shot on location in various places across the United States. However, the majority of the filming took place in California, with some scenes shot in other states and countries.
California Filming Locations
- Los Angeles: Many of the scenes from the Police Academy films were shot on location in Los Angeles, including the iconic scenes at the police academy itself. The exterior shots of the academy were filmed at the Los Angeles Police Academy, which is located in the Elysian Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- San Fernando Valley: The San Fernando Valley, a region in northern Los Angeles County, was used as the backdrop for many of the films’ outdoor scenes. The San Fernando Valley Freeway was featured prominently in several scenes, as was the Santa Susana Mountains.
- Long Beach: The city of Long Beach, located in southern Los Angeles County, was used as the setting for several scenes in Police Academy 3: Back in Training. The Long Beach Police Department headquarters was featured in the film.
Other Filming Locations
- Chicago: Some scenes from Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment were shot on location in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Police Department headquarters was featured in the film.
- New York City: A few scenes from Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol were shot on location in New York City. The New York City Police Department headquarters was featured in the film.
- Canada: Some scenes from Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach were shot on location in Canada. The Toronto Police Service headquarters was featured in the film.
Table: Police Academy Filming Locations
| Film | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police Academy | Los Angeles | Los Angeles Police Academy |
| Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment | Chicago | Chicago Police Department headquarters |
| Police Academy 3: Back in Training | Long Beach | Long Beach Police Department headquarters |
| Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol | New York City | New York City Police Department headquarters |
| Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach | Toronto, Canada | Toronto Police Service headquarters |
Notable Scenes and Locations
- The Police Academy Entrance: The iconic entrance to the police academy, which features a large stone archway and a sign that reads "Police Academy", was filmed at the Los Angeles Police Academy.
- The Police Car Chase: The high-speed police car chase scene from Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment was filmed on the San Fernando Valley Freeway.
- The Beach Party: The beach party scene from Police Academy 5: Assignment Miami Beach was filmed on Miami Beach in Florida.
Conclusion
The Police Academy franchise has been a beloved part of pop culture for decades, and its iconic scenes and characters have become a staple of American comedy. While the films were shot on location in various places across the United States and Canada, the majority of the filming took place in California. From the Los Angeles Police Academy to the San Fernando Valley, these locations played a significant role in bringing the Police Academy franchise to life.
