Citizens Police Academy

In 2011, the Ottumwa Police Department implemented a new program called the Citizens Police Academy.  As part of our community policing effort, the purpose of the Academy is to provide an educational opportunity for citizens to learn first-hand about local police operations and to gain a deeper understanding of today’s law enforcement functions.  It is our belief that a clearer understanding of a police officer’s duties, how the officer carries out those duties, and the end result of the officer’s actions will help develop a better relationship between the police department and the community. 

The Citizen Police Academy is an annual eight-week program, with each session lasting three hours.  Sessions are held from 6:30 – 9:30 PM on each Monday in February and March.  The course curriculum includes Department Overview & Orientation, Administration, Operations Division, Services Division, Drug Task Force, Gang Suppression, Animal Control, Parking Enforcement, Immigration, Communications (Dispatch), and Records.

Participants also have the opportunity to schedule time on the Department’s state-of-the-art use-of-force simulator and test his/her judgment in reacting to potentially volatile situations.  Participants also have the option of going to the Department’s firearms range during the summer and shooting a variety of weapons.

 2011 Citizens Police Academy
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2012 Citizens Police Academy
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The Police Department would like to thank South Ottumwa Savings Bank and Cargill Meat Solutions for their ongoing sponsorship of the Citizens Police Academy.