Citizens' Police Academy

Television shows like Cops and Law and Order make a decent attempt at depicting reality. But, if you really want to know the true reality of police work you should participate in the Idaho Falls Police Department's Citizen's Police Academy.

This free class gives residents an inside look into the inter-working of law enforcement as they learn about traffic stops, accident investigations, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), firearms, less lethal, use of force, forensics, K9, patrol procedures, EVOC, Bomb disposal, and SWAT.
This class is ideal for people who are interested in a career in law enforcement, volunteering with the Citizen's Watch Patrol, and those who just have an interest in what the job entails. Class participants will have the opportunity to meet police officers and hear first-hand about what it is like to work and serve with the IFPD.

Class Goals


The goals of the class are:
  • To work with the citizens in solving problems and sharing ideas to help make Idaho Falls a better place to live.
  • To educate the citizens about law enforcement.
  • To allow the citizens to meet the men and women who serve the community through the IFPD.
For additional information please contact Lori Posey at Lposey@idahofallsidaho.gov or (208)612-8619.

Upcoming Session(s) of the Citizens' Police Academy



The 2019 Citizen's Police Academy will be on Wednesday nights from September 4th to October 16th. Classes will be from 7- 9 p.m. 

Attendees must meet the following requirements to participate in CPA:



  • Be over the age of 18.
  • Have a valid driver's license.
  • Complete an application process.
  • Be able to pass a basic background check. 
  • This class is active and hands on. Participants should be able to participate fully in course activities including fire arms training, emergency vehicle operations, and various walking tours and hands on demonstrations. 
  • Class space is limited and preference will be given to those who have not participated in Citizen's Police Academy in the past. 
To apply, please download the CPA Application and submit it to the Training & Logistics Bureau by email, by dropping it off at the Idaho Falls Police Station at 605 North Capital Avenue between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), or by mail at the following address:

Idaho Falls Police Department 
Attn: Sgt. Timothy K. Downs
P.O. Box 50220
Idaho Falls, Id 83405-0220

Applications must be received by August 21st. Please Note: This class requires at least 12 attendees and will be canceled if that number is not reached.