MSU Police Online Citizen Academy Offered for Non-Credit Through the MSU Virtual University Department of Police and Public Safety Michigan State University

The goal of the Citizen's Police Academy is to provide community members with an inside look at local law enforcement. The 11-week course is designed to give citizens an overview of the police department's function and operational procedures. The Citizen's Police Academy is an opportunity to show how serious our commitment is to the community. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional law enforcement academy, but weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a police officer. Each week, there will be a department representative to explain and present the course material.

Topics covered will include:

• Patrol Procedures
• Community Policing
• Media Relations
• Investigations, including Crime Scene Investigations, Narcotics and Accident Investigations
• Interview Procedures
• Firearms
• and a K-9 demonstration

This course was developed by the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety and the MSU Virtual University and is offered as outreach program for the community of Michigan State University.

1. To enhance the relationship between the MSU Police and the community it serves through extended interaction in a classroom setting.

2. To foster an understanding of training techniques taught to our police officers as well as an explanation and discussion of operational procedures.

Minimum of 18 years old
No felony convictions
No misdemeanor convictions within 1 year of application
Completion of background check (felony history and references)
Students will be required to complete two 4 hour ride-alongs

Materials will be provided online as part of the course website or during field exercises.

Students accepted into the academy must first pass a background screening. Registration is as easy as completing the mail-in registration form.

Check the Setup Page for hardware and software requirements for this course.