Citizen Police Academy

Policing is not just the work of police officers; On the contrary, the police cannot do the job by themselves.  It takes the cooperation of citizens like you for the police department to be effective.  Years ago, the phrase "The Thin Blue Line" was used to describe the police as the only protection between order and chaos.  The thought among many police officers was "Us against them". Neither of these thoughts is valid.  With most police agencies adopting community policing philosophies, the emphasis is on cooperation and problem solving.  Work together is the only way to identity problems and fine solutions.

THE CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY IS DESIGNED TO BRING THE CITIZEN AND POLICE TOGETHER.  WE NOT ONLY EXPLAIN OUR JOBS, WE ALSO GET FEEDBACK AND LEARN FROM YOU.

The Citizen Police Academy is a nine week program designed to give each participant a basic knowledge of how their police department operates.  Instructions will be given by police officers with topical expertise, from the various agencies involved in the program.  The sessions are information and questions are encouraged.  Each participant will have the opportunity to shoot a police issued hand gun, tour the Scott County Jail, and witness police work first hand during a ride along with an off-duty officer.

Citizen and police officers have an opportunity to work closely together and exchange views and ideas.  Citizens gain a better understanding of how their police department works.  Citizens can better appreciate how the criminal justice system works and be aware of the restrictions the police deal with citizens can see first hand how their tax dollars are being spent.  Crime can be reduced by cooperation between citizens and the police department.

Persons who apply to attend the Bettendorf Citizen Police Academy must be at least 18 years old and live in the Iowa Quad Cities metro area.  Applicants will be subject to a background and criminal history check.