Citizen's Academy
What is the Citizen's Academy
The Citizen's Academy is a program designed to educate community members of the inner workings of the Fridley Police Department. The program offers insights into how police officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community. Our goal is to produce informed citizens, who can be our future ambassadors and partners within our communities.
2024 Citizen’s Academy Information
Citizen's Academy is eleven weeks long, running every Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. Classes begin on Thursday, September 5, 2024, and conclude on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Complete the Citizen's Academy Interest Form to begin an application or to be notified of future updates.
Mission of the Academy
The purpose of the Citizen's Academy is to foster better communication between citizens and the police through education. The academy creates a nucleus of well-informed citizens who possess greater insight into police practices and services.
Graduates of the academy are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with the community as the opportunity arises. Everyone benefits from enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of their police department.
Who May Attend the Academy
Any interested citizen who resides or works in the City of Fridley is encouraged to attend. Citizens involved with the community in some way, such as youth involvement, neighborhood watch, and neighborhood groups are very important to the academy.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older with no prior felony convictions.
Note: All applicants are subject to a criminal background check.
Course Curriculum
- Tour of Police and Fire Divisions
- Constitutional Law/Search Warrants
- Patrol Procedures
- Public Safety History
- Use of Force
- Patrol Procedures
- Criminal Investigations
- Crime Scene Unit
- Narcotics Investigations
- Traffic Enforcement (DWI)
- Community Policing
- Media/Public Relations
- 9-1-1 Communications
- Domestic Violence
- K-9 Demonstration
- Fire Safety
- School Resource Officers
- Heart Safe
A vital part of the academy is participation in a variety of "hands-on" learning experiences. Students will also have the option, on a voluntary basis, to "ride-a-long" with a patrol officer during their shift.