The St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office are proud to present a program from March25th through May 13th. We believe this eight-week academy will be both informative and fun as well as providing a new understanding of the day-to-day operations of our departments. Classes will be on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 pm to around 9:00 pm at the Law Enforcement Center, 501 Faraon unless otherwise notified. The instructors will be certified Law Enforcement Officers from both the City and County Departments.

This is NOT a candidate school and is designed to only give a general hands-on experience as to how the two Departments operate. This program is not a forum to debate previous enforcement contacts or personal grievances.  Citizens are, however, encouraged to participate in discussions as we learn from each other.

Class size is limited to thirty (30) people, so only those truly interested in making a commitment of one night a week for eight weeks should apply. Completion of six out of the nine classes is required to graduate. Applicants must be eighteen years of age or older and will be subject to a background investigation. You must be a resident of Buchanan County to apply.

Upon completion of the course, each participant will receive a diploma at a graduation ceremony conducted by Chief of Police Paul Luster and Sheriff Bill Puett.     

I have read the application and understand that any false declarations will make my application null and void.  I further allow officers of the St. Joseph Police Department to conduct a background and criminal history check for the purposes of this academy only.  If accepted I agree to abide by the rules set forth by the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department.  I also understand that in order to receive a diploma I must not miss more than one three-hour block of instruction.

Only the first thirty qualified candidates will be selected. You will be notified by phone, email, or letter of your appointment at the academy. Reasons for not being accepted may include but are not limited to: any felony arrest or convictions, any misdemeanor arrest or conviction in the last year, and any arrests that are related to drugs, domestic violence, or other violent acts.  You will not be considered if you are not a resident of Buchanan County. Falsifying any portion of this application or omitting pertinent information is grounds for immediate denial.

Submit this form online, email, or mail, or present your completed application in person to:

              St. Joseph Police Department                Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office

                      C/O Sgt. Jeremy Peters                          C/O Valerie Pasley

                      501 Faraon                                             501 Faraon

                      St. Joseph, Missouri 64501                    St. Joseph, Missouri 64501

                      jpeters@stjosephmo.gov

Applications must be received by March 22, 2025. Applications may be dropped off at the St. Joseph Police Dept. lobby during normal business hours or emailed to Sergeant Jeremy Peters.

St. Joseph Police Department

 Release From Liability

 

By signing below, I realize that I will be voluntarily participating in the law enforcement

training program that utilizes ammunition that is lethal in nature. Furthermore, it is my understanding that this training is being provided to give academy students a practical understanding of firearms safety, functioning, and tactics.

 I agree to indemnify, hold harmless and release the St. Joseph Police Department, the City of St. Joseph, its agents, and employees from any liability arising from injuries to property or person from the practice, application, or adoption in the future of any of the procedures, tactics or considerations presented or imply in this training program. I also understand that the City of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and the St. Joseph Police Department do not carry insurance to cover participants in this training.

 I understand that there are risks associated with this activity and I assume the risk of any injuries or loss that I may sustain from this training.

JOINT CITIZENS ACADEMY PHOTO RELEASE FORM

 I hereby grant the St. Joseph Police Dept. permission to use my likeness in a photograph, video, or other digital media (“photo”) in any and all of its publications, including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration.

 I understand and agree that all photos will become the property of the St. Joseph Police Dept. and will not be returned.

 I hereby irrevocably authorize the St. Joseph Police Dept. to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish or distribute these photos for any lawful purpose.  In addition, I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product.  Additionally, I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photo.

 I hereby hold harmless, release, and forever discharge the St. Joseph Police Dept. from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.