The Moscow Police Department announced details about the 2026 Citizen Police Academy, which will take place from Jan. 7-March 14, 2026.
This 11-week interactive program was created to give community members an inside look at the law enforcement profession. It serves as an experiential learning opportunity for University of Idaho students who can earn three credits through the program.
“Students can understand the real-world situations officers encounter. Some may be interested in a career in law enforcement and can see how that may align with what they are learning in their college classes, especially in criminology,” Brian Wolf, a professor of criminology at UI, wrote in an email to The Argonaut.
Before applying to the MPD program, students go through an initial round of screening and interviews with UI advisors. Once accepted to both the UI and MPD programs, they can enroll in the three-credit CRIM 4150 companion course, where they will submit assignments related to the academy. UI reserves 20 seats in the academy for credit-seeking students.
While the course offers criminology credit, there is no requirement to be a criminology major, Wolf wrote.
Topics covered include the history of policing and the criminal justice system, patrol procedures, traffic and drug enforcement, criminal investigations, firearms training and emergency vehicle operation, according to the CPA website
“While this differs from an internship in that it has a structured curriculum, it can still offer the same kinds of benefits. For example, it provides opportunities for interactions with criminal justice professionals that can assist them in career preparation in criminal justice or an adjacent field. It also allows students to be off campus and interact with students and community members who may have similar interests as them,” Wolf wrote.
Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday evenings in the MPD Training Room at 155 Southview Ave., Moscow.
The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 19. Applications are available online at www.ci.moscow.id.us/253/Citizens-Police-Academy. Classes are limited to 32 students.
Dakota Steffen can be reached at [email protected].