Citizens' Police Academy

Citizens' Police Academy

Community Participation
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. Throughout a 9-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:


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


Student Interaction
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 on Tuesday's for 9  weeks from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm CT at the Valparaiso Police Station, located at:  355 Washington St. , Valparaiso, IN  46383.

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.


Information for next class will be released in 2023.