What is the Citizens Police Academy?
The Citizens Police Academy is a free program that meets one night a week for six weeks. The academy is offered October 11th, 18th, 25th, November 1st, November 8th, and November 15th, 2023. Classes start at 6:00 PM and go until 9:00 PM. The course is designed to give citizens a working knowledge of the operations and responsibilities of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. Our hope is that a better understanding of how your police department works will improve the relationship between citizens and officers. Some of the topics covered are:
- DWI enforcement and traffic stops
- Dispatch and jail tour
- Taser, handcuffing, pepper ball, and use of force
- Investigations to include in house crime scene.
- FATS – Edina. (FATS – Firearms training system)
- Firearms Range and Graduation (Last Day!)
Who May Attend?
To be eligible to participate you must be at least 18 years old and you must either live or work within the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department’s jurisdiction. If you are selected to attend the academy, you are expected to attend at least seven of the class sessions.
How Do I Apply?
Please fill out an application and return it to the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. There are only 12 openings in each class and the positions are filled on a first come first served basis, so apply early.
After an application is received, a background check will be conducted which includes a criminal history check. Prior arrests or convictions may disqualify you from participating in the academy.
If you are accepted into the academy you will receive a packet which will contain course details.
Applications are available at the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department or you can download a fillable PDF aplication listed below.
Citizen’s Police Academy Application
Once you have completed the application, you can save it and e-mail it to Officer Zach Robertson zrobertson@southlakepd.com, or print it out and drop it off at the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department during normal business hours.
Any additional questions can be directed to Officer Zach Robertson at 952-960-1623.