County

PCSO Citizens Academy

Polk County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is aimed at giving citizens a unique insight to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and inside the field of law enforcement. 

Sessions will include classroom instruction, demonstrations and hands-on practical exercises.  Covered topics will be delivered by the following Divisions:  Patrol, K9 Unit, Criminal Investigations, M.I.N.E. Task Force, Court Services, Civil, Personnel, Training, Community Relations, Metro S.T.A.R., Communications, Jail and Support Services. 

Participants will have opportunity to sign-up for job shadow and ride-along experiences to enhance their exposure to the field of law enforcement.      

The Citizens Academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony to recognize participation and achievements.

For information about the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Division at 515-286-3015 or CommunityRelations@polkcountyiowa.gov.

2024 Citizens Academy Information

Tuesdays                                                 Saturdays (Optional)

March 19 – June 4                                  April 6, April 27, & May 18

6:00 – 9:00 PM                                       9:00 AM – Noon

Sessions will held at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters located at 5995 NE 14th St. Des Moines. There is potential for additional training locations based on the scheduled topic, which will be announced in advance. We encourage attendance and participation for you to maximize your experience. 

The Citizens Academy is open to individuals who are 18+ years old and a resident within Polk County.

A $40.00 registration fee will be required.  You will receive the following with the registration fee.

  • PCSO Citizens Academy Polo
  • Meals at trainings
  • Equipment for hands-on practical experiences

2024 APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for the Citizens Academy a Citizens Academy Application must be completed.  In addition, the Polk County Waiver & Release form must be completed.  The completed forms should be submitted via email, in-person or mail. 

Application deadline is March 8th, 2024.

CommunityRelations@polkcountyiowa.gov

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Attn: Community Relations - Citizens Academy

5995 NE 14th St.

Des Moines, IA 50313

SPACE IS LIMITED: Applications will be reviewed as they are received on a “first-come” basis.  A background check is required to determine eligibility for participation. 

Accepted participants will be notified by email.  An invoice will be emailed for payment of the $40.00 registration fee to finalize registration enrollment.   

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Polk County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Division at 515-286-3015 or CommunityRelations@polkcountyiowa.gov.