HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 2 - CitizensAcademy
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Lauryn Grimes, Communications Assistant
Phone 952-826-0348 lgrimes@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Citizens’ Academy to Start in September
Edina, Minn., June 2, 2016 – Citizens’ Academy is an informative and interactive 12-week program that
offers participants the opportunity to go behind the scenes of the Edina Police Department. The program
includes 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.” Registration for the 2016
Academy is under way.
“I've always held law enforcement in high regard. After attending the Citizens’ Academy sessions, delving in
and truly understanding a day in the life of an officer’s job, my respect and appreciation for the Edina Police
Department (and surrounding communities), has multiplied many times over,” said Janelle Mandery, who
attended the 2015 Academy. “We learned about all the departments of law enforcement and all aspects of
their jobs -- routine, as well as emergencies and crisis situations. They taught us many techniques and
procedures they implement and we were given many opportunities to actually try them! I highly recommend
Citizens’ Academy!”
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 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.
“Every year, we have such a positive response from the participants and we continually adjust the program to
meet the expectations of the participants,” said Officer Jacob Heckert. “This year, we added an extra week to
the class in order to better cover all the topics without feeling so rushed for time. We will dedicate this extra
time to expand our DWI presentation and lab along with extra time for the much-anticipated presentation
about the 2000 bank robbery and officer-involved shooting."
Those who complete the program will receive a certificate from Police Chief Dave Nelson, an Academy polo
shirt and local recognition as a graduate.
The 12-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. 8
to Dec. 1. No class will be held Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving
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 EdinaMN.gov/police-academy.
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