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Page last updated on March 26, 2024 at 3:16 pm

BPD offers two police academies for the citizens of Bloomington.

  • Citizens Police Academy
  • Teen Academy

 

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

The 2023 Citizens Police Academy will take place weekly on Monday evenings from September 4, 2023 to November 6, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Interested in attending? Apply online: submit the online application here.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate citizens about the operation, methods and goals of the BPD to enhance communication and understanding between the community and the police. BPD staff will provide instruction in areas including patrol techniques, criminal investigations, Operating While Intoxicated enforcement, vehicle stops, domestic violence, officer safety issues, drug enforcement, defensive tactics and firearms training.

Participants will learn how cases are handled by police and how those cases proceed through the Criminal Justice System. Attendees who successfully complete the required coursework will be provided an opportunity to ride with a police officer in a patrol assignment prior to graduation.

There is no cost for the program. Class size is limited and participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Background checks will be conducted on all applicants.

To apply with a paper application: Download the application here. Paper applications are also available at the Bloomington Police Department. Paper applications can be submitted electronically to sarah.shahnavaz@bloomington.in.gov. You may also mail an application to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Sarah Shahnavaz, 220 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47401 or you may drop them off in person during regular lobby hours, M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

 

 

TEEN ACADEMY

The 2024 Teen Academy will be held from June 24 to June 26, 8am-5pm.

2018 Teen Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Teen Academy:

This program is designed to introduce teens age 13 - 17 to law enforcement in general and specifically the Bloomington Police Department. Each day will run from 8am - 5pm at the Public Safety Training Facility at 3230 S Walnut St. The academy will be based on lectures, demonstrations, and interactive events designed to entertain, engage, and instruct teenagers.

The course will be taught by a number of officers ranging in age and experience from senior officers with over 25 years experience to brand new officers who have just completed training. The course will be limited to 50 students. The cost for the Teen Academy is $25.00 (scholarships are available). Lunch is provided daily.

 

Submit your Application

  • Download the application and waiver here or pick up the form at the Bloomington Police Department, 220 E. Third Street. 
  • Submit your application to the Bloomington Police Department, Attn: Joe Henry, 220 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN 47401, or by dropping off in person during regular lobby hours, M-F 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
  • Include the $25 registration fee payable by check, money order, or exact cash at BPD lobby (scholarships are available)

 

Questions?

Contact Detective Joe Henry at the Bloomington Police Department (812) 339-4477 or by email at henryj@bloomington.in.gov.