Departments | Sheriff | Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy is a joint effort between the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Department and the Mason City Police Department to provide a positive relationship between citizens and the law enforcement community through education and interaction with officers. The Citizens Police Academy is designed to provide an opportunity for citizens to learn first hand about law enforcement operations and gain a greater understanding of law enforcement issues, practices and services. The teaching methods are similar to a traditional police academy, although they are not designed to train the participants as law enforcement officers. The academy provides citizens with an inside look of their local law enforcement agency. The intent is that the instruction will increase public awareness and foster a positive relationship. All students are encouraged and given an opportunity to ride along with an officer. Students will have the opportunity to meet with the Sheriff, Chief of Police and staff members. Students are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns to their instructors.
The Academy is a 11-week program and meets every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Classes are held at the Cerro Gordo Sheriff Department or the Mason City Police Department.
The majority of instructors consist of Deputies, Police Officers, Attorneys and Judges. The class is limited to 15 students on a first come basis. Instruction will include a wide range of topics including: K-9, Use of force issues, Jail, Communications, Crime Scenes, Patrol Tactics, Criminal Investigations, Domestic Violence, Search and Seizure, Firearms Training, Narcotics, Crime Prevention, Special Operations and other law enforcement related topics. There is no fee to attend the class. Participants are required to attend at least 80% of the classes to successfully pass the Citizens Police Academy. The classes consist of lecture, hands on and practical exercises. There are no physical requirements although students are encouraged to participate in the practical exercises. Classes are held annually with the possibility of an additional class if we have enough participants.
Citizens Police Academy Graduation Class Album
Students must reside or work in Cerro Gordo County. All applicants must be 21 years of age or older. Students can not have any felony convictions and have no misdemeanor arrests within the last 4 years. A background check and drivers check will be conducted on all applicants. The Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Department and Mason City Police Department reserves the right to deny acceptance to any person with an extensive criminal history. All applicants are subject to the approval of the Sheriff, Chief of Police or their designee.
Citizens are required to fill out an application form and questionnaire. You may pick these forms up at the Cerro Gordo Sheriff’s Department or Mason City Police Department. Or, download the application form form (pdf).
Get the questionnaire (pdf).
After filling out these forms, please mail them to:
If you have any questions about the Citizens Police Academy, please contact Deputy Tim Lichman by e-mail or call (641)421-3000.
