Citizen's Police Academy

The Iowa City Police Department, in cooperation with the Coralville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Department, and the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety offers a Citizens Police Academy for members of the community. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to promote a better relationship between police officers and citizens.

The Citizens Police Academy is a nine-week program, which meets one night per week, typically January through March. Past academies have had training topics such as: police officer selection and training; search and seizure; ethical issues; use of force; firearms; defensive tactics; drug investigations; bomb and SWAT team overviews; and a tour of the Johnson County Jail. Participants also ride along with officers on patrol.

We have found the Citizens Police Academy to be especially effective in enhancing communication between officers and citizens. At the conclusion of the program, citizens have a better understanding of the demands placed upon their police officers, while at the same time officers gain valuable insight and feedback from the citizens they serve. The 13th Annual Citizen’s Police Academy will meet every Tuesday night beginning January 19th – March 30th, 2010. Applications are available at the Iowa City Police Department and are due by January 8th. Contact Officer Jorey Bailey at 319-356-5273, or jorey-bailey@iowa-city.org for more information.