The Dickinson Police Department, as part of its “Community Crime Prevention Program” presents a “Citizens Police Academy”. This 10-week program is designed to increase the understanding between citizens and the police through training. In addition to specialized classroom training, students are exposed to patrol duties through a ride-along program with police department officers. Students will participate in a wide range of interesting training, including mock crime scenes, SWAT & K-9 demonstrations, and “shoot-don’t shoot” scenarios utilizing our VirTra Situational Training Simulator.
“Citizens Police Academy” participants are not actually trained for police work. Participants will have a better understanding of the Dickinson Police Department operations and the day-to-day responsibilities that officers are tasked with upon completion of the academy. Through your participation in the “Citizens Police Academy” program, you are promoting community involvement, which in itself is the most powerful force any law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime.
Course Description
Academy classes consist of one 2-hour class held each week (Thursday Nights from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) over the course of ten weeks. This instruction is comprehensive, covering a different topic within the Police Department each week. Police officers, supervisors, and civilian instructors with field-related expertise will teach each topic. Classes are limited to 25 citizen attendees.
Next Academy Date: Spring 2024!
Who May Attend?
- Any interested citizen is encouraged to attend.
- Citizens over 18 years of age.
- Citizens with no prior felony convictions (The DPD will conduct a basic background investigation on all candidates before the start of the course).
Course Outline
- Orientation/Public Safety Center tour
- Patrol Procedures/Field Operations/DUI
- Constitutional Law
- City Ordinances/State Law
- Traffic Law
- Use of Force/Defensive Tactics
- Firearms Training/Shoot-Don’t Shoot
- SWAT/Crisis Negotiations
- K-9 Unit
- Narcotic Investigations
- Communications/E911
- Criminal Investigations/Crime Scenes
- Ride-along Program
- Virtra Simulator
How do I apply for the Academy?
You may pick up an application at the Law Enforcement Center or download the application by clicking the link below. Return the completed application to the Law Enforcement Center (2475 State Avenue North), or email them to Lieutenant Mike Hanel by michael.hanel [at] dickinsongov.com (Clicking Here).
