Citizens Police Academy: Iowa City Plans 20th Annual Program

IOWA CITY, IA — If you want to live a day in the life of a police officer, the 20th annual citizens police academy will explore what the job entails. Registration is open now for the 14-week course, which begins Jan. 22.

The Iowa City Police Department, in cooperation with the Coralville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Department, North Liberty Police Department and University of Iowa Department of Public Safety, designed the class to promote a better relationship between police officers and residents by offering a variety of training topics through classroom and hands-on activities. Trained law enforcement personnel will lead the course.

The course includes a ride-along with officers as they are on patrol and weekly subjects such as police officer selection and training, search and seizure, evidence collection, ethical issues, use of force, firearms, defensive tactics, drug investigations, OWI enforcement, bomb and SWAT team work, taser use, collision investigation, K9 officer, and a tour of the Johnson County Jail.

"We have found the Citizens Police Academy to be especially effective in enhancing communication between officers and citizens," a department news release said. "At the conclusion of the program, participants 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."

Classes are held 6 to 9 p.m. each Monday through April 23 at the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center, 4529 Melrose Ave., Iowa City.

Applications are available at the Iowa City Police Department. The registration deadline is Jan. 15. Contact Officer Ashten Hayes at 319-356-5273, or community-relations@iowa-city.org for more information. You can find a brochure, application and media waiver here.

Image via City of Iowa City