HomeMy WebLinkAboutPress Release - Citizens' Academy
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Chris Beeth, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 • commintern@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citizens’ Academy Offers Look In To Edina Police Department
Edina, Minn., June 12, 2015 – Citizens’ Academy is an informative and interactive 11-week program that
offers Edina residents and employees of Edina-based organizations the opportunity to go behind the scenes of
the Edina Police Department. The program hosts lectures, demonstrations and hands-on activities that will
teach participants how the Department serves the City, as well as how Officers fulfill their mission to
“Protect and Serve.”
“It was great to gain insight into everything our police officers do,” said Andrea Bender, a past participant.
“Each week was packed and entertaining. It really was an entirely positive experience.”
The 11-week program takes place at the Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St., and the South Metro
Public Safety Training Facility, 7525 Braemar Blvd. Weekly classes will take place 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays Sept.
10 to Nov. 19.
Each class will offer a variety of hands-on activities, including mock traffic stops, tour of the Hennepin County
Jail, interaction with award-winning police K-9s, presentations about the Metro Area Drug and Financial
Crimes Task Force and the Department’s SWAT team, proactive defensive tactics, and the chance to follow
the course of a criminal investigation and process a crime scene with a Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputy.
“I enjoy participating in the program, because the participants really enjoy seeing how we collaborate and how
we interact off duty, rather than just on the street,” said Officer Jacob Heckert. “Overall, the program is
similar from year to year, but we integrate new aspects from feedback we receive from past applicants --
reports of what they enjoyed and what they believe can be improved.”
Those who complete the program will receive a certificate from Police Chief Dave Nelson, an Academy polo
shirt and local recognition as a graduate.
Applicants must be 21 years or older, must live or work in Edina, pass a criminal background check and pay a
$25 fee.
For more information or to register, visit http://EdinaMN.gov/index.php?section=police_academy.
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