Community Academy

Due to the closure of City Hall, the 2023 Community Academy has been canceled. We look forward to hosting the Community Academy in 2024.

What Is The Community Academy?

It’s an 8-week program designed to provide interested Mercer Island members of the community an opportunity to learn first-hand about the day-to-day operations of their police department, explore various units within the department, meet the staff and experience some of the aspects of being a police officer.
 
The purpose of the Community Police Academy is to increase understanding between the citizens and the department through education. The two-way educational design of the academy can strengthen working relationships vital to improving the quality of life in our community.

Where Is The Academy Held?

Classes will be held at Mercer Island City Hall, located at 9611 SE 36th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040

What Are The Academy Dates?

We are looking to hold the next academy in the fall of 2024.

What Topics Are Covered?

• MIPD History
• Recruitment, Hiring, Training
• Patrol Procedures
• Emergency Management                                                                                                                                          
• Marine Patrol/Dive Team
• Records and Evidence
• Traffic Laws and Enforcement
• Collision Investigation Team
• Special Operations Teams
  • Tactical Response Unit
  • Civil Disturbance Unit
  • Bike Patrol Unit
• Juvenile Law/School Resource Officer
• Police Use of Force
• Less-Lethal Tactics
  • Taser
  • Def-Tec
• Detectives/Investigations
• Crime Prevention

The above are just a sample of the subjects covered.

Who Can Attend?

Participants must be at least 16 years old. All applicants are subject to a background check. Class size is limited. Participation in the academy requires a commitment from each resident to attend a 3-hour session, one night each week, for the 8-week series.
 
The Community Academy tries to include the broadest possible range of members of our city. This includes women, men, younger as well as older individuals, and representatives of neighborhood and civic organizations.

Who Teaches The Academy?

All instructors are officers and personnel from the Mercer Island Police Department, teaching in their own area of expertise. Each instructor has years of training and experience in their field, providing insights not ordinarily available to those outside of the Department.