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Citizen Police Academy
The Citizen Police Academy is a 6-week program designed to give the participant a basic knowledge of how your police department operates. Instruction is presented by police officers. Sessions include both classroom discussions and hands on demonstration.
Participants learn about the challenges and dangers police officers must be prepared to face each day. Participants also see the equipment and tactics used by police and have the opportunity to go on patrol as a "Ride-Along" to witness first-hand how police officers work.
The Citizen Police Academy consists of 6 weekly sessions. Each session is packed with information about police work, and officers are available for questions and comments following each session.
The Citizen Police Academy is designed to increase the understanding between citizens and the police through education.
Our intent is to familiarize the citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work.
The intent is not to train citizens to become police officers. Rather, it is an opportunity to enhance our partnership with the community, resulting in a better understanding of what we do, and why we do it.
This program also gives us the opportunity to learn about what the community expects from the police departments and how we can provide better service in dealing with the issues they feel are important.
Persons who apply to enroll in the Citizen Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age and must live or work in the City of Brainerd. Due to the subject matter covered in this program, applicants are subject to a background and criminal history check. There is no cost for the program. Class size is limited.
Thank you for your interest in the Citizen Police Academy. We are not taking enrollment applications at this time. Please check back at a later date.
Participants learn about the challenges and dangers police officers must be prepared to face each day. Participants also see the equipment and tactics used by police and have the opportunity to go on patrol as a "Ride-Along" to witness first-hand how police officers work.
The Citizen Police Academy consists of 6 weekly sessions. Each session is packed with information about police work, and officers are available for questions and comments following each session.
Purpose of the Citizen Police Academy
The Citizen Police Academy is designed to increase the understanding between citizens and the police through education.
Our intent is to familiarize the citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work.
The intent is not to train citizens to become police officers. Rather, it is an opportunity to enhance our partnership with the community, resulting in a better understanding of what we do, and why we do it.
This program also gives us the opportunity to learn about what the community expects from the police departments and how we can provide better service in dealing with the issues they feel are important.
Enrolling
Persons who apply to enroll in the Citizen Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age and must live or work in the City of Brainerd. Due to the subject matter covered in this program, applicants are subject to a background and criminal history check. There is no cost for the program. Class size is limited.
Benefits of the Citizen Police Academy
- Citizens gain a better understanding of how their Police Department works.
- Citizens can better appreciate how the criminal justice system works and be aware of restrictions police must deal with.
- Citizens can see first-hand how their tax dollars are being spent.
- Police Officers get feedback from citizens not directly involved in law enforcement.
- Crime can be reduced by cooperation between citizens and the Police Department.
- Graduates can explain to friends, family, and neighbors how and why police act to handle various situations.
Sample Citizen Police Academy Schedule
- Week 1
- Class Overview
- Introduction to Policing
- Week 2
- Patrol Functions
- Police Equipment
- Week 3
- Investigations
- Evidence Procedures
- Week 4
- Traffic Enforcement
- DUI Investigations
- Week 5
- Use of Force
- Arrest Procedures
- Week 6
- Crime Prevention
- Future Issues
Thank you for your interest in the Citizen Police Academy. We are not taking enrollment applications at this time. Please check back at a later date.