The Bloomington Police Citizens Academy is offered annually in the fall. We have found the academy to be effective in enhancing communication between officers and citizens through the sharing of knowledge and information of police practices. Not only do you get to be part of the “behind the scenes” approach of a real working police department, but you will personally meet many of our officers, tour the police department, go on a ride-along, participate in pursuit training and be involved in scenario night!
The academy runs for 8 weeks, at least 4 hours each night, on Thursday nights, typically 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., September through October. There will be one schedule adjustment to have class/graduation on Wednesday, October 30th to avoid the Halloween conflict. Class times are subject to change. Ride-along and pursuit trainings will be done on additional time and different days within the 8-week schedule. Opportunities are subject to change based on availability.
Participants are eligible for the Bloomington Citizens Academy if they live, work or attend school in Bloomington, are at least 18 years old and are not convicted of a Felony crime. Class size is limited to 30 students. If we receive more than 30 applicants, a lottery is used to select participants.
There is no cost to attend, but due to the high demand for the class, all participants are expected to commit to all 8 weeks.