Blaine Police Department Celebrates 24th Citizens Academy Graduation: Strengthening Community Connections Through Public Safety Education

BLAINE, Minn. — November 5, 2025 — The Blaine Police Department marked a meaningful milestone this week, celebrating the graduation of 23 residents from the 2025 Citizens Academy, a cornerstone initiative designed to strengthen community engagement and enhance understanding of public safety operations in Blaine.

Now in its 24th year, the Citizens Academy continues its tradition of bringing residents and first responders together through education, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Over the course of nine weeks, participants spent their Thursday evenings gaining direct insight into how the city’s Safety Services Division operates—observing police procedures, fire and rescue demonstrations, and community standards enforcement in action.

According to the City of Blaine, the program offers residents “a behind-the-scenes look at the work of public safety professionals,” allowing participants to experience practical scenarios such as mock traffic stops, investigations, and emergency response drills (City of Blaine, 2025).

The academy concluded with a graduation ceremony and open house at which the new graduates were honored for their commitment to civic engagement. The celebration drew an impressive turnout, including Mayor Tim Sanders, City Council members, Police and Fire Chiefs, City Manager Greg Lee, and dozens of family members and supporters who came to applaud the participants’ achievements.

“Programs like the Citizens Academy embody what community policing is all about,” said Blaine Police Department representatives in a statement. “They help us connect with residents, build mutual trust, and foster collaboration that makes our community safer and stronger.”

Building Trust Through Citizen Engagement

Citizens Academies have become an essential tool for modern community policing, offering residents an up-close look at the challenges, responsibilities, and decision-making processes of law enforcement agencies. Research supports their effectiveness in promoting transparency and strengthening police–community partnerships (Falcone et al., 2002).

Blaine’s academy is among Minnesota’s longest-running programs of its kind, reflecting the city’s continued investment in relationship-based policing. By demystifying police operations and giving residents a platform for dialogue, the program helps bridge the gap between public perception and practical policing.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With 23 new graduates joining a growing network of alumni, the Blaine Police Department is already preparing for its 2026 Citizens Academy. The department encourages residents who live or work in Blaine to apply for the next session to gain first-hand experience in public safety and community partnership.

For more information about the Blaine Citizens Academy and upcoming registration details, visit www.BlaineMN.gov/Citizens-Academy.

MinneapoliMedia