Explore the Edina Police Department Through Citizens' Academy

People who live or work in Edina still have more than a week to sign up for the Edina Police Department's spring Citizens' Academy, which begins Mar. 7.

The 11-week academy is designed to give people with Edina connections a chance to get an inside look at police work, via lectures, demonstrations and hands-on learning. Applications to take part in the academy are due by Mar. 1.

Participants will tour the Edina Police Department and Hennepin County Jail, take part in mock traffic stops, learn about weapon use and defensive tactics, get a chance to shoot alongside officers at the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility and join officers on ride-alongs.

The classes are held from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays through May 16 at both the Edina Police Department and the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility. Participants need to be at least 21 years old and pass a criminal background check, in addition to paying a $25 class fee.

Editor's Note: I actually took part in the Citizens' Academy back in 2011, chronicling the entire series of classes in video format. To get a better idea of what to expect from the Academy, check out the following videos:

• Getting to Know Edina's Finest
• Dispatching Help When Edina Residents Most Need It
• Opening Eyes to the Steps of a Successful Traffic Stop
• 'Using the Force' with Edina Police
• Edina Police Take You to the Gun Show
• Tossing Grenades with Edina's SWAT Team
• Edina Residents Subdued with Tasers
• Police Chief Delivers Parting Words to Academy Members

Interested parties can contact Officer Brian Hubbard at 952-826-1610 or visit the Edina Police Department's website to download an application.

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