Police Department Accepting Applications to Citizen's Academy

Last year, Menomonee Falls Patch went behind the badge at the Menomonee Falls Police Department and enrolled in the Citizen’s Police Academy.

Each week was something a little different. Whether it was , or , every evening was filled with useful and interesting lessons from the MFPD.

The MFPD is now accepting applicants for its fourth academy in fall. The classes meet Tuesdays for 12 weeks at 6 p.m. in the lower level of the MFPD. Classes are typically two to three hours, depending on the content of the class. There's also a graduation ceremony at the end of the academy.

The classes cover topics such as police administration, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations and use of force. The deadline to apply for the academy is August 1, and just 20 participants will be selected.

Although each class features a specific title and presentation, the officers teaching classes often go off the script. That’s when I found , before getting pulled over in Falls. That’s a secret that stays with the academy, however.

The academy is a great opportunity to learn more about the department, but also see a different side of the MFPD officers – other than the view outside your driver’s side window. You also join a fraternity of past graduates, and grads are often tapped to help the department in various capacitates.

The class includes a $30 registration fee, which also comes with a nice blue Citizen’s Academy polo. If you have questions about the academy, call Sergeant John Thomae at 532-8740.

If you’re interested in learning a little more about the academy, check out you Patch editor’s journey through the academy: