The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) will provide the community an opportunity to participate and learn about police procedures and become familiar with the officers that work to protect and serve our community. Over a 10-week period, citizens will have the opportunity to learn about the major departments within the police department and their specific functions.

Classes will be instructed by officers from the Department, as well as guest instructors from agencies that we work with on a regular basis. Some of the topics will include:

Students will have an opportunity to interact with many of the instructors in a variety of ways. Many of the lessons will involve hands-on participation and practical application of the lessons taught. Students will also have the opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer, and ample time will be dedicated to answering questions regarding police procedures.

The Citizens Police Academy will meet every Tuesday for 10 consecutive weeks in the evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Valparaiso Police Station, 16 Indiana Avenue. Due to the content of some of the classes, they may be held at various sites in the city with advance notice given to the students as needed. In order to encourage as much interaction between the officers and the citizens, class size is limited to 20 persons. Best of all, the Citizens' Police Academy is absolutely free! This is our way of reaching out to the citizens and helping build lasting relationships that will benefit everyone involved. 

Pictures of the Citizens’ Police Academy class participating in mock traffic stops during a recent class. Officer Jason Hamilton (uniform) and Sgt. Tom Zimmerman (polo shirt) instructed students how to conduct a safe traffic stop. Participants in the class received first hand experience on making a mock traffic stop. The Citizens’ Police Academy meets Tuesday nights and is designed to give community members an opportunity to learn more about the Valparaiso Police Department.

For additional information, just ask us.

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