Coon Rapids Police Department Opens Registration for Seven Week Community Police Academy

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - The City of Coon Rapids is accepting registrations for the Coon Rapids Police Department Community Police Academy, a free, seven week public education program designed to give residents a transparent, in depth look at modern policing and public safety operations.

The Community Police Academy runs Tuesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., beginning January 13 and concluding February 24. Sessions are held at the Coon Rapids Police Department, located at 11155 Robinson Drive NW. Participation is free, but enrollment is limited to approximately 20 residents to maintain an interactive and discussion focused learning environment.

The program replaces the department’s former Citizens Academy and reflects a broader shift toward community oriented policing and public engagement. City officials describe the academy as an opportunity for residents to better understand how policing decisions are made, how officers are trained, and how the department responds to complex and evolving public safety challenges.

Inside the Community Police Academy

The seven week academy is structured around a rotating curriculum, with different sworn officers, supervisors, and subject matter specialists leading each session. Participants are introduced to how the Coon Rapids Police Department is organized, including patrol operations, investigations, and specialized units. Sessions also explore the tools and technology officers rely on daily, such as squad car systems, body worn cameras, evidence handling, and forensic processes.

A central focus of the academy is decision making in high stress situations. Officers provide detailed explanations of de escalation strategies, judgment under pressure, and use of force policies. Scenario based discussions are often used to illustrate how officers assess risk, prioritize safety, and respond in rapidly changing circumstances.

Mental health response is another core component of the program. The academy examines how the department handles mental health related calls, including partnerships with embedded social workers and community based clinicians who assist officers during crises. These sessions aim to clarify the role of law enforcement in situations where public safety and behavioral health intersect.

Experiential Learning and Demonstrations

In addition to classroom instruction, the Community Police Academy emphasizes hands on learning. Participants may be eligible, following approval, to take part in a patrol ride along to observe real time police work and the daily decisions officers face while serving the community.

The program also includes demonstrations by specialized units. K9 handlers introduce participants to police canines and their roles in tracking, detection, and coordinated operations. DUI enforcement sessions walk participants through how officers identify impaired driving, conduct field sobriety testing, and carry cases through enforcement and prosecution.

Building Understanding and Trust

The Coon Rapids Police Department has emphasized that the Community Police Academy is not a recruitment program. Instead, it is intended as a trust building initiative that offers residents an unfiltered view of law enforcement practices. By opening its operations to public scrutiny and dialogue, the department aims to reduce misconceptions, encourage informed conversation, and strengthen relationships between officers and the community they serve.

Registration and Contact Information

Registration typically opens in early December and closes when the class is full or by January 2, whichever comes first. Interested residents must register through the City of Coon Rapids online services portal.

For questions about eligibility, registration, or program details, residents may contact the Coon Rapids Police Department at 763 767 6481 or reach out to the program coordinator, Sergeant Cameron Gustafson.

More information and registration details are available through the City of Coon Rapids official Community Police Academy page.

MinneapoliMedia