Citizens Police Academy

2025 Class Information

Thursday, Sept 4th - November 6th

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Applications are due by the middle of August

Mission Statement

The goal and mission for the Metro Citizens Police Academy is to assist the community in better understanding police training, procedures and philosophy through classroom and hands-on training conducted by area police officers. Training involves a variety of topics such as laws, ethics, investigations, firearms, emergency driving and much more. 

What is Citizens Police Academy?

The Metro Citizens Police Academy is an eight-week course offered to all citizens and members of local civic and governmental organizations. Participants of the Citizens Police Academy are given the opportunity to experience firsthand many areas of police training. The classes offered closely parallel the training curriculum that police officer candidates experience. It is imperative that participants understand that the Citizens Police Academy is solely informative and in no way trains or promotes citizens to act in a law enforcement capacity.

Local departments are seeking a diverse group of applicants who have questions specific to police procedures involving use and application of force, law enforcement training, and arrest procedures. Citizens desiring a better understanding of law enforcement, and the difficult police related issues that have arisen across the country, are encouraged to apply. 

Classes begin the first Thursday after Labor Day and run for ten weeks. Classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at various departments and locations throughout the academy. Participants who complete the training courses are presented a certification of completion from the Chief of Police at the last training session.

Training Curriculum

• Community Policing & Ethics
• Basic Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law, Traffic, Local Ordinances
• Interpersonal Skills
• Human Diversity
• Domestic Crisis Intervention
• Defensive Tactics - Use of Force
• Patrol Procedures
• Firearms
• Vehicle Stopes & Vehicle Operations
• Crime Scene
• Specialized Units
• Training Scenarios
• Current Issues

Enjoying the Learning Experience

We hope citizens will enjoy this learning experience and use this opportunity to share with us their ideas, information and opinions on how to improve the quality of life in our community. The area officers look forward to working with and getting to know the citizens who live in the communities they serve.

Requirements for The Program

•  Applicant must be 21 years of age or older
• Applicant must be able to pass a criminal background check prior to acceptance into the program
• Applicant must reside in St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, St. Joseph, Waite Park or Stearns County

Apply

Complete the online application

Applications must be submitted to the police department of the city you live in.