Coon Rapids Launches Redesigned Community Police Academy to Deepen Public Understanding and Trust

The City of Coon Rapids and the Coon Rapids Police Department have launched a redesigned Community Police Academy for 2026, a seven week public education initiative aimed at strengthening transparency, trust, and dialogue between law enforcement and residents.

According to official city and police department communications, the program represents an evolution of the department’s former Citizens Academy. The updated format places greater emphasis on immersive, hands-on learning and direct engagement with officers, moving beyond lecture based instruction to provide participants with an inside look at how modern policing functions in real time.

Program structure and schedule

The Community Police Academy runs on Tuesday evenings from January 13 through February 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sessions are hosted at the Coon Rapids Police Department headquarters, located at 11155 Robinson Drive NW.

The program is offered at no cost and is strictly limited to 20 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and discussion throughout the seven sessions.

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 works to balance public safety with community trust.

Inside the curriculum

Each session is led by different members of the department, including patrol officers, investigators, and specialized units, providing a comprehensive overview of the department’s structure and operations.

Planned components of the academy include a patrol ride along, allowing participants to observe real time decision making and call response. Other sessions focus on de-escalation and decision making techniques, examining how officers assess risk, apply use of force policies, and resolve complex situations.

Specialized demonstrations are a central feature of the program. These include live K9 operations showcasing tracking and detection capabilities, as well as DUI enforcement demonstrations that walk participants through impairment recognition and field sobriety testing.

The curriculum also includes a session dedicated to mental health response, highlighting the department’s collaboration with embedded social workers and clinicians who co respond to behavioral health crises. Additional sessions explore law enforcement tools and technology, including body worn cameras, forensic equipment, and in car computing systems used for reporting and information access.

Eligibility and participation requirements

To ensure safety and program integrity, all applicants are required to pass a criminal background check. The academy is open to adults 18 and older. Minors aged 16 and 17 may apply with a signed parental waiver.

Preference is given to Coon Rapids residents, local business owners, and students, and participants are strongly encouraged to commit to attending all seven sessions.

Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to join the Community Police Academy Alumni Association, which offers ongoing opportunities for volunteerism, continued education, and sustained engagement with the police department.

Registration status

Registration for the 2026 Community Police Academy officially closed on January 2, 2026. City officials note that residents who missed the deadline may contact Program Coordinator Sergeant Cameron Gustafson at 763 767 7461 to inquire about waitlist options or future academy cycles.

City leaders say the program reflects a broader commitment to openness and civic engagement, positioning the Community Police Academy as both an educational experience and a long term bridge between the Coon Rapids Police Department and the community it serves.

MinneapoliMedia