Citizens Academy

Step into a police officer’s shoes: ALPD Citizens Academy

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) offers a Citizens Academy to foster a working relationship between residents and police officers. Participants meet once a week over 8 weeks, learning in-depth information on the department’s policies and procedures. 

Topics include:

• Hiring and training procedures
• Field training
• Police equipment
• Narcotics
• Use of force
• Crime scene investigations
• Community service officer program
• Driving-under-influence investigations

The program is both lecture and hands-on, including an optional 4-hour ride-along with a police officer.

The ALPD usually holds the academy once a year. The course is limited to 16 participants who are at least 18 years old, live or work in the City of Albert Lea, and pass a limited background investigation. Look for announcements of upcoming academies on social media and in local news media.