The Academy consists of weekly sessions held over eight weeks in February and March. The course curriculum includes overview of the Police Department, patrol operations, crime investigation, use of force, animal control, drug investigation, gang suppression and more! Participants also have an opportunity to use the Department’s use-of-force simulator and test their judgment in reacting to potentially volatile situations. Participants also have the option of going to the Department’s firearms range during the summer and firing a variety of weapons.
Participants will receive classroom instruction and be involved in interactive exercises on a variety of topics, including defensive tactics, firearms, search and seizure, felony stops, accident investigation and narcotics investigation.
Applications for the 2025 Citizens Police Academy will close on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
2025 Citizens Police Academy Application
The Ottumwa Citizens Police Academy was established in 2011 as an educational opportunity for citizens to learn first-hand about local police operations. It is our belief that a clearer understanding of a police officer’s duties, how the officer carries out those duties, and the end result of the officer’s actions will help develop a better relationship between the police department and the community.
If you have any questions about the Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact Chief Chad Farrington at (641) 683-0629.
The Police Department would like to thank South Ottumwa Savings Bank for their ongoing sponsorship of the Citizens Police Academy.
Pictured are some of the graduates 2019 program.
