The purpose of the citizen police academy is to allow the public to experience the many aspects of police work first hand. The academy consists of a series of classes taught by members of the Bismarck Police Department. In addition, students receive hands on training as well. The Bismarck Police Department hopes that by offering a citizen police academy the participants will better understand the operational responsibilities that all members of the police department undertake on a daily basis. The academy is eleven weeks long and meets one night a week. Classes are scheduled to run for three hours each night. There is no cost to participate in the academy.

Requirements to participate in the academy are as follows:

• Applicants must live, work, or attend school in the City of Bismarck
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must complete an application, sign a release and waiver, and pass a background investigation
• Applicants must not have a prior criminal record

Applications can be found on the Bismarck Police Department website at CPA Application or may be picked up at the police department located at 700 S 9th St.