Zionsville Police Department Citizens Academy

The Zionsville Police Department is excited to provide a unique opportunity for citizens to learn first-hand about ZPD and experience some of the training required to become a police officer.

In today’s world, citizens can have an inaccurate view of the profession of law enforcement. Some of these views are shaped by exposure to news reports, Hollywood movies and fictional television shows. It is our expectation to provide an accurate view of the real world of law enforcement for our participants.

This eight-week academy is focused on educating citizens about the Zionsville Police Department, the organization, operational goals and our role in the community. Class participants will gain an understanding of police department responsibilities, laws, and department procedures that govern its operation. As a result, we hope to continue to develop the partnership between citizens and the police department.

Training Topics

• ZPD History and current organizational structure
• Criminal investigations/narcotics overview
• Crime scene investigations
• Police recruiting and training
• De-escalation tactics
• Active threat scenarios
• Police K9 overview and demonstration
• Crime lab/evidence overview and demonstration
• Crime prevention and awareness
• Traffic/OWI and accident reconstruction
• Firearms overview and demonstration
• Emergency vehicle operations and functions
• Opportunity for a police ride-along

2023 Information

The 2023 Citizens Academy will take place on Wednesday nights from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. from August 30 - October 11. There will also be Range Day on Saturday, September 23 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Boone County Sheriff's Office. 

Click here for the 2023 schedule.

Registration for the 2023 Citizens Academy is closed. Please check back for 2024 updates or email Captain Drake Sterling if you'd like to be included.