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Citizens Police Academy

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:

  • Defensive Tactics
  • Traffic Stops
  • Firearms Instruction
  • Narcotics
  • Officer Training Programs
  • Recruiting and Hiring Procedures
  • Department History
  • School Resource Officer Duties and Activities
  • Community and Media Relations
  • K-9 Units
  • DUI Procedures
  • Department History and Structure
  • Investigations and Evidence Collection Procedures
  • 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. 

    Click here for Citizens' Police Academy application (PDF).

    2009 Citizens’ Police Academy Graduating Class Citizens Police Academy
    Citizens Police Academy Citizens Police Academy
    Citizens Police Academy Citizens Police Academy
    Citizens Police Academy Citizens Police Academy

    The 2009 Citizens’ Police Academy Students learn about the K-9 program, SWAT Team and Bicycle Team.

    For additional information, just ask us.

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