BLOOMINGTON – The 2023 Bloomington Police Department Citizens Academy will take place weekly on Monday evenings from September 4, 2023, to November 6, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate citizens about the operation, methods, and goals of the BPD to enhance communication and understanding between the community and the police. BPD staff will provide instruction in areas including patrol techniques, criminal investigations, Operating While Intoxicated enforcement, vehicle stops, domestic violence, officer safety issues, drug enforcement, defensive tactics, and firearms training.
Participants will learn how cases are handled by police and how those cases proceed through the Criminal Justice System. Attendees who successfully complete the required coursework will be provided an opportunity to ride with a police officer in a patrol assignment prior to graduation.
There is no cost for the program. Class size is limited and participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Background checks will be conducted on all applicants.
To apply with a paper application download the application. Paper applications are also available at the Bloomington Police Department. Paper applications can be submitted electronically to sarah.shahnavaz@bloomington.in.gov. You may also mail an application to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Sarah Shahnavaz, at 220 East 3rd Street, Bloomington, IN 47401 or you may drop them off in person during regular lobby hours, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
