Citizen's Academy Program
The objective of the Chisago County Citizen's Academy Program is to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and the community by providing citizens insight into modern day policing through both classroom instruction and hands on training conducted by law enforcement personnel.
If you enjoy watching Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), Law and Order or Southland, and all the reruns of the countless other police dramas on television, why not join us and learn more about your local law enforcement operation and officers? The Chisago County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Lakes Area Police Department, North Branch Police Department, and Wyoming Police Department, has teamed up to provide Chisago County residents with an opportunity to experience "life behind the badge" with an eight week citizens' academy.
Participating in the Program
Participants in the Chisago County Citizens' Academy Program learn firsthand a myriad of duties officers perform in the field as well as how law enforcement service is instrumental in the community. There will be a wide variety of training topics and hands-on activities that participants learn about that include general law enforcement duties, review of a call for service, use of force, arrests, S.W.A.T. demonstration, firearms, emergency communication, traffic stops, DWI demonstration, community policing/crime prevention, K-9 demonstration, and MORE!
Participants tour the Chisago County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, a courtroom, the Chisago County Jail, and the Chisago County Emergency Communications Center, as well as, are provided information about volunteer public safety programs in place. Upon successful completion of the Citizens' Academy Program, participants are afforded the opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer for 4 hours.
The Chisago County Citizen's Academy is open to anyone who lives or works in Chisago County, is FREE of charge, and will meet primarily on Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting September 26, 2022 through November 14, 2022. Program participants meet at one of the 4 participating law enforcement agencies each week.
Requirements
You must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver's license, and no felony convictions on your record. Applicants will be asked to complete an Online Chisago County Citizen's Academy Application and sign a Waiver and Release of liability form. All applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.
Applications are available at each participating agency and/or their respective agency websites. Space is limited.
It is our hope that each participant feels informed and gains an understanding about the operations of law enforcement. Through relationships and partnerships, the police and community provide a safer Chisago County.
This is an opportunity for us to get to know those who live and work in our community and establish that deeper relationship with you. We hope to have you a part of this program.
Citizens' Academy happens once a year, beginning in September and running through November. We are not taking applications at this time, but will be opening the application process again on July 24, 2023.
Any questions, please contact Sergeant Kyle Puelston by calling 651-213-6317 or Email Sergeant Kyle Puelston.