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Citizen Police Academy
What is the Citizen's Police Academy?
The Citizens Police Academy is a ten week/35 hour course designed to give West St. Paul and Mendota Heights citizens a working knowledge of the operations and responsibilities of the West St. Paul and Mendota Heights Police. The ultimate goal is providing citizen participants with in-depth information and insight needed to build trust and increase positive interaction between police and the community.
What areas are covered?
Lectures and demonstrations of the following subjects and others are included:
- Criminal Investigations/Search Seizure
- Police Patrol Procedures
- Defensive Tactics/Use of Force
- Use of Firearms
- Dakota County Jail Tour
- Dakota County Communication Center Tour
- DWI Night w/Participants
- Domestic Violence
- MAAG/SWAT Hands on Scenarios
- Tour of Police Facility/Ride Along
Who may attend the academy?
Any person who is at least 18 years old and either lives or owns a business in West St. Paul or Mendota Heights can apply. All eligible applicants will be screened by conducting a criminal history check (a prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant). For safety reasons, we reserve the right to deny participation in any activity. The police academy includes physical and sensory activity including strobe lights, loud sounds, use of weapons, etc.
How is the class conducted?
Participants receive instruction from police officers and other criminal justice professionals. Snacks and beverages are provided.
Is there a fee?
No. The academy is free to persons who either live or own a business in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, or Sunfish Lake.
How can information from this course be used by police and citizens?
Proven Results!
During the academy citizens will learn the role of police officers and experience some of the everyday challenges officers face. It is our hope that graduates will gain a better understanding of how the police department functions and spread the message of the importance of strong citizen and police partnerships. These strong partnerships are the foundation of safe communities. Some graduates of the academy have gone on to become Community Service Volunteers and Police Reserve Officers.
Teen Citizen Academy
The West St. Paul Teen Citizen Academy is a FREE 6-week programed open to High School Students who live or go to school in West St. Paul (or Henry Sibley). Lunch is provided. Each week a new topic is covered to give teens a hands-on law enforcement experience. Applicants will need to pass a background check and be deemed eligible by the West St. Paul Police Department to participate.
FREE - Ages 16-18
The enrollment period is currently closed.