The Eden Prairie Police Department congratulated the latest cohort of citizens who have gained a deeper understanding of law enforcement operations through their Citizens Academy program. The program, which is a free six-week course, concluded its sessions on Tuesday night with 20 community members participating.
Designed to give a comprehensive view of the EPPD's workings, the attendees, ranging from eager locals to civic-minded residents, experienced hands-on activities such as utilizing SWAT team gear and surveilling a suspect in a simulated theft investigation. As reported by the EPPD blog, participants also got their hands dusty learning fingerprint analysis with the department’s Crime Tech Unit, and spent time behind the scenes with the department's 911 dispatchers, which for some, a closer interaction with the urgent calls of crisis was unfamiliar territory.
Additionally, the Citizens Academy program featured demonstrations and in-depth discussions on topics including dispatch procedures, traffic law enforcement, DWIs, unmanned aerial systems (drones), use of force protocols, and crisis negotiation techniques. Participants also had a chance to meet and learn from one of the department's K-9 teams.
With a view to fostering greater community involvement and transparency, the Citizens Academy has been supported by the Eden Prairie Crime Prevention Fund. According to the EPPD’s blog post, those interested in joining future sessions should keep an eye on the EPPD's blog and social media for registration information, which often promptly fills due to high interest.
For more information on the Citizens Academy program or to read about the experiences of the graduates from the current year’s session, visitors can check out the EPPD's official blog. There, one can find details on how the program better equips citizens to understand the various facets of policing and community safety.
