Fort Wayne Brings Back Citizens Police Academy After 17 Years

The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) is proud to announce the return of the Citizens Police Academy; a hands-on, informative program that will be offered for the first time since 2008 after a 17-year hiatus.

 

The academy will run for seven consecutive Thursday evenings, from October 2 to November 13, 2025, at the Public Safety Academy, located at 7602 Patriot Crossing, Fort Wayne, IN 46816. The program is completely free, though space is limited to 25 participants.

 

Applications open September 1 and close on September 18, 2025, and must be submitted online. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (those aged 16–17 may apply with parental consent and command approval), reside in Allen County, and pass a background check. Applicants with a felony conviction, a recent violent misdemeanor, or pending criminal charges are not eligible.

 

What the Academy Covers
The Citizens Police Academy features seven sessions where each are delivered by certified law enforcement professionals and focused on different FWPD divisions:

 

1. Orientation, department overview, and facility tour

2. Recruitment, patrol division, police vehicles, and equipment

3. K9 Unit, Emergency Services Team, Negotiations, and Drone Program

4. Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Gang, Street Crimes, and Crime Scene Management

5. Professional Standards/Internal Affairs and Public Relations/PIO

6. Use of Force, Crisis Intervention (mental health response), Vehicle Pursuits, Police-involved Shootings, De-escalation Techniques

7. “Shoot/Don’t Shoot” scenarios, 911 Communications tour, graduation ceremony, and class photos

Participants will gain immersive insights into FWPD’s operations—from behind-the-scenes facility tours to real-world scenario training.

 

Quote from the Chief
Chief Scott Caudill emphasizes the importance of the program:

“The Citizens Police Academy is an important opportunity to build trust, foster transparency, and create lasting partnerships with our community. We want our residents to see not just what we do, but why we do it and how we can work together for a safer, stronger city.”

 

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FAQ:

 

Q: What is the Citizens Police Academy?
A: A free, seven-week, evening course offered by FWPD, designed to give residents an in-depth, experiential look at police work and community safety operations.

 

Q: When and where will it be held?
A: Thursday evenings, October 2 – November 13, 2025, 6:00–9:00 pm at the Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, Fort Wayne, IN 46816.

 

Q: Who can apply?
A: Open to Allen County residents aged 18+, or 16–17 with parental consent and command approval, with no felony convictions, recent violent misdemeanors, or pending serious charges.

 

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Free of charge. There is no cost to participants

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Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit an online application between September 1 and September 18, 2025. All applicants must pass a background check. Maximum of 25 participants will be selected.

 

Q: What will participants learn?
A: Participants explore various facets of policing including patrol, K9 and drone operations, investigations, crime-scene processing, internal affairs, community relations, use-of-force policy, de-escalation, communications, and more.

 

Q: Why now?

A: After a 17-year pause since 2008, FWPD is revitalizing the academy to promote transparency, build community trust, and foster collaborative partnerships for enhanced public safety.

 

Q: Who can I contact for more information?

A: Fort Wayne Police Department, Public Safety Academy. For non-emergencies, call 260-427-1222.