Citizens Police Academy

Edwardsville Police Department LogoThe Edwardsville Police Department hosted its 2025 Edwardsville Citizens Police Academy in January, February and March. The 2026 Citizens Police Academy dates are expected to be announced in late fall of 2025. It's a great opportunity to learn directly from the City's police personnel about constitutional law, rights of citizens and the duties of law enforcement officers. The academy is intended to strengthen the positive relationship between the Edwardsville Police Department and the community.

Over the course of 10 weekly sessions, participants can experience aspects of law enforcement through a hands-on learning environment. Academy sessions will include tours, demonstrations, and practical exercises allowing participants to experience life from a police officer’s point of view. The 10-week course will be held at the Public Safety Building, 333 S. Main Street.

Topics covered:

  • Law review
  • Traffic/DUI enforcement
  • Use of force, mental health/crisis Intervention, de-escalation techniques 
  • Firearms familiarization
  • Force on force/active shooter hands-on exercise
  • Drug trends and identification
  • Crime scene investigation with hands-on exercise
  • Investigations overview and computer crimes
  • Four-hour ride-along

Eligibility and cost:

The academy is open to adults, 21 and over, and will be limited to 20 participants. Anyone may apply, but priority will be given to Edwardsville residents on a first come, first serve basis; a $25 registration fee will be required for each participant, which helps cover program costs. Upon graduation, participants will receive a T-shirt and certificate of completion.

Enroll:

Applications for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy are not available yet, but should be released in late fall of 2025. Once available, interested participants should submit an online application (not currently available). (When registration opens, a printable version also will be available, but must be mailed or dropped off to the address below.) In addition to the completed application, a check for $25 payable to the Edwardsville Police Department will be required. Mail or deliver the check to:

Edwardsville Police Department
Attn.: Citizens Police Academy
333 S. Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025

More Information:

If you are not selected for the class, your check will be returned to you as soon as possible. Some sessions may require physical activity. The department and staff will work to make reasonable accommodation to individuals with special needs, but cannot guarantee participation in all activities.

Questions about the Citizens Police Academy can be emailed to Sgt. Matt Evers at: mevers@cityofedwardsville.com

  1. 1 The front of Edwardsville Police Department
  2. 2 Citizens Police Academy Spring 2023 photo
  3. 3 Citizens Police Academy spring 2023 photo