Coon Rapids Police Department Launches Redesigned Community Police Academy for 2026

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The Coon Rapids Police Department (C.R.P.D.) is inviting residents to take a deeper look into the workings of modern law enforcement through its newly redesigned Community Police Academy (CPA). The free, seven-week program runs Tuesdays from January 13 to February 24, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Coon Rapids Police Department.

Limited to about 20 participants, the academy aims to strengthen trust, transparency, and collaboration between officers and the community. Registration opens December 1 and closes when full or on January 2.

A Modern, Immersive Curriculum

The updated CPA expands on the department’s former Citizens Academy, offering a more comprehensive and hands-on exploration of contemporary policing practices. Participants move beyond classroom instruction to engage directly with officers and learn about key public safety topics affecting Coon Rapids and cities nationwide.

Core areas of focus include:

• Department Structure: A breakdown of how the C.R.P.D. is organized, including patrol, investigations, and specialized units.
• De-escalation & Decision-Making: An inside look at how officers assess high-stress situations, prioritize de-escalation, and apply use-of-force protocols.
• Technology & Tools: Demonstrations of body-worn cameras, squad-car systems, forensic equipment, and other tools central to day-to-day policing.
• Mental Health Crisis Response: An overview of how the department responds to mental-health-related calls in partnership with embedded social workers and community-based providers.

Hands-On Experiences With Officers

A defining feature of the CPA is its experiential learning approach. Each weekly session is led by different sworn officers and subject-matter experts, allowing participants to meet personnel from across the department.

Interactive components include:

• Patrol Ride-Alongs: A firsthand look at policing on the street and the real-time decisions officers face.
• K9 Unit Demonstrations: An introduction to the department’s canine handlers and working dogs.
• DUI Enforcement Presentations: Instruction on how officers recognize impaired driving and conduct field-sobriety testing.

Strengthening Community Trust

Programs like the CPA are increasingly used by departments nationwide as part of community-oriented policing strategies — an approach that emphasizes communication, partnership, and transparency. By giving residents an unfiltered view of modern policing, the C.R.P.D. aims to build understanding, reduce misconceptions, and promote shared responsibility for public safety.

Past participants often describe the program as “eye-opening,” citing the value of candid conversations with officers and the opportunity to see the human side of police work.

Registration

Coon Rapids residents can register online through the official City of Coon Rapids website beginning December 1. Space is intentionally limited to ensure a meaningful, interactive experience.

For questions, residents may contact Sergeant Cameron Gustafson, the program’s coordinator, using the information provided on the city’s website.

Registration link

MinneapoliMedia