Citizen’s Police Academy

The purpose of the Citizens Police Academy is to inform and educate members of the community on the inner workings of their police department, while building on an already solid relationship with the community. The course will be on Thursday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm and will start on a date to be determined soon. Please see the form at the bottom of this page to complete the online background check/application and reserve your spot as soon as possible, as they will fill up quickly.

What is the Citizen’s Police Academy?

In 1992, the Independence Police Department launched its “Citizen’s Police Academy”. The academy aims to inform and educate members of the community on the inner workings of their police department, while building on an already solid relationship with the community. The Citizen’s Academy offers participants a front row seat, provided directly from the officers serving their community, at the internal workings, goals, and values of the Independence Police Department. We have two sessions per year, a spring and fall session, so submit your application anytime, and it will be held for the next available academy session.

What is the purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy?

First and foremost, the purpose and goal of the Citizen’s Police Academy is simply understanding. The police department desires that every member of the academy develop a better understanding of the goals of the police department as well as the challenges the department faces on a day-to-day basis. The citizen's police academy will provide class members with an inside look at each unit within the department, the operation of the individual units, and the duties performed by the members of these units. Academy members will not only receive instruction in a classroom-type setting, but they will also participate in actual hands-on practical exercises. This “first-hand” look offers citizens the opportunity to see these challenges for themselves, gain an appreciation and understanding of the issues facing the police department, and even offer their own suggestions and advice for a possible resolution.

Who presents the classes at the Academy?

Instructors are officers and civilian personnel from the various specialized units within the police department. These instructors present materials and demonstrations from their various fields of expertise. The academy is coordinated through the department’s Community Services Unit.

What topics are covered in the academy?

The classes are limited to 25 positions and will be offered in the order we receive completed applications from qualified candidates. To apply for the Citizen's Police Academy, please complete the application form below.   Once completed, the electronic form will submit the information.  A criminal history check will be conducted on each applicant before they can be accepted into the academy. Applicants cannot have had any felony convictions, DWIs, or Drug convictions in the last five years. Your submission of a completed application authorizes the Independence Police Department to conduct the criminal history inquiry necessary.  You will be notified once your application has been approved.