Coon Rapids Opens Registration for 2026 Community Police Academy, Offering Residents an Inside Look at Modern Policing

The Coon Rapids Police Department has officially opened registration for its 2026 Community Police Academy, a free, seven week educational program designed to deepen public understanding of law enforcement operations and strengthen trust between officers and the community.

The academy, which runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. between January 13 and February 24, 2026, represents a redesigned and modernized version of the department’s former Citizens Academy. City officials describe the updated program as more immersive and dialogue driven, moving beyond a lecture only format to emphasize hands on learning and direct interaction with active duty officers.

A Closer Look at How Policing Works

Hosted at the Coon Rapids Police Department headquarters at 11155 Robinson Drive NW, the academy offers participants a structured overview of how the department is organized and how officers make decisions in real world situations. Each weekly session focuses on a different aspect of policing and is led by officers or subject matter specialists from across the department.

Core topics include de escalation and decision making in high stress encounters, the department’s use of force policies, and the tools and technology officers rely on each day. Participants will also learn how the department responds to mental health related calls for service, including an overview of collaborative approaches and partnerships used to manage crises safely and effectively.

Interactive and Experiential Learning

A defining feature of the Community Police Academy is its emphasis on experiential learning. Participants may have the opportunity to take part in patrol ride alongs, allowing them to observe firsthand how officers engage with residents and respond to calls in real time.

The curriculum also includes live K9 and DUI demonstrations, offering practical insight into impaired driving enforcement and the role of police service dogs in public safety operations. Throughout the program, participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in open discussion with instructors.

Program Details and Eligibility

The Community Police Academy is free of charge and limited to 20 participants to ensure a highly interactive experience. Registration opened on December 1, 2025, and will remain open until the program reaches capacity or until January 2, 2026, whichever comes first.

Applicants must be adults age 18 or older, though some sessions may consider participants as young as 16 with a signed parental waiver. All applicants are subject to a criminal background check, and priority is generally given to Coon Rapids residents, business owners, or students with a direct connection to the community.

Graduates of the program receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to join the Community Police Academy Alumni Association, which provides opportunities for continued engagement with the department.

How to Register

Residents interested in participating can register through the City of Coon Rapids online services portal. Questions about the program may be directed to the department’s program coordinator, historically managed by personnel such as Sergeant Cameron Gustafson.

City leaders and police officials say the academy reflects an ongoing commitment to transparency, education, and community partnership, offering residents a meaningful way to better understand the complexities of modern policing in Coon Rapids.

MinneapoliMedia