Ever wonder what it is like to be a Police Officer? Now you can find out first-hand!

The Michigan City Police Department offers members of the community who would like to experience the inner workings of what it is like to be a police officer a chance to learn first-hand. Beginning each year in October, the Michigan City Police Citizen’s Police Academy (MCPA) brings the police and the community closer together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. The program is held each Thursday evening, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM for 6 weeks.

All classes are FREE and include all class materials, t-shirts, giveaways and refreshments. Participants receive two and a half hours of training one evening each week for six weeks in many of the varied functions of law enforcement. They experience some of the highlights of police training and are exposed to the daily operations of the police department.

One of the favorite sessions of past students was the Crime Scene Investigation (YES THAT’S CSI !) where they could not get enough time in our regular session. Since then, we have included a BONUS day of CSI on a Saturday in November for more “Investigating and Crime Scene”! Three separate “Investigative Teams” are created, all in a friendly competition. Each team will be assigned a homicide detective as an advisor and be able to utilize our police equipment along with video, photography, evidence handling and dealing with a real murder victim and scenes.

Participants are also taught the basics of criminal law, search and seizure, patrol tactics, firearm safety, taser, traffic laws, hostage negotiations, and many other subjects. They will learn about the processing of a crime scene, how police canines are used, and are exposed to many of the specialty police units. MCPA participants meet and talk with many of the officers as well as the command staff and training staff that serves them. All this takes place in a safe and entertaining training environment at the Police Department and the Emergency Operations Center at City Hall.

Instructors are State certified law enforcement professionals who teach both veteran and recruit police officers. Students leave this training with a greater understanding of the police mission and with an increased ability to see how the police serve our community.

What is the difference between our academy and others?
WE HAVE FUN! Our academy is a “hands on” interactive approach in which each student gets to participate in numerous activities that prove to be educational yet fun and exciting! 

***This program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn police officer. If you are interested in joining the Michigan City Police Department, please click here to learn more. 

Class size is limited to 35 participants. All interested persons must be at least 21 years old, complete an application, and give permission for the Michigan City Police to conduct a background check to determine if they have a criminal record.