Citizens Academy

Check back for the 2023 Citizens Academy.

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

Classes are taught by members of the police department, many of which are certified law enforcement instructors. Our Citizens Academy is open to all Zionsville residents or persons who work in the Zionsville Community who are 18 years old or older. Applicants with a felony criminal history will not be accepted. Limited misdemeanor history will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Participation in the Citizens Academy is at the discretion of the Chief of Police.