The 2023 Citizens Police Academy will take place weekly on Monday evenings from September 4, 2023 to November 6, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Interested in attending? Apply online: submit the online application here.
The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate citizens about the BPD’s operation, methods, and goals to enhance communication and understanding between the community and the police. BPD staff will provide instruction in areas including patrol techniques, criminal investigations, Operating While Intoxicated enforcement, vehicle stops, domestic violence, officer safety issues, drug enforcement, defensive tactics, and firearms training.
Participants will learn how cases are handled by police and how those cases proceed through the Criminal Justice System. Attendees who successfully complete the required coursework will be provided an opportunity to ride with a police officer in a patrol assignment before graduation.
The program is free. However, class size is limited, and participants must be at least 18 years old. Background checks will be conducted on all applicants.
To apply with a paper application, Download the application here. Paper applications are also available at the Bloomington Police Department. Paper applications can be submitted electronically to sarah.shahnavaz@bloomington.in.gov. You may also mail an application to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Sarah Shahnavaz, 220 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47401, or you may drop it off in person during regular lobby hours, M-F, 8:00 AM—4:00 PM.
TEEN ACADEMY
The 2024 Teen Academy will be held from June 24 to June 26, 8am-5pm.
About the Teen Academy:
This program is designed to introduce teens age 13 – 17 to law enforcement in general and specifically the Bloomington Police Department. Each day, the academy will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Facility at 3230 S Walnut St. The academy will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and interactive events designed to entertain, engage, and instruct teenagers.
The course will be taught by officers ranging in age and experience from senior officers with over 25 years of experience to brand new officers who have just completed training. It will be limited to 50 students. The Teen Academy costs $25.00 (scholarships are available). Lunch is provided daily.
Submit your Application
- Download the application and waiver here or pick up the form at the Bloomington Police Department, 220 E. Third Street.
- Submit your application to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Joe Henry, 220 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47401, or by dropping off in person during regular lobby hours, M-F 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Include the $25 registration fee payable by check, money order, or exact cash at BPD lobby (scholarships are available)
Questions?
Contact Detective Joe Henry at the Bloomington Police Department (812) 339-4477 or by email at henryj@bloomington.in.gov.
