06/03/2026
I wanted to take a moment to share my recent experience attending the Great Falls Police Department Citizens Academy, and honestly, it was unforgettable! The classes took place every Thursday night (they even fed us dinner!) for about 10 weeks, plus one Saturday dedicated to live police simulation training exercises—which was both exciting and eye-opening. It’s hard to describe just how much this course impressed me. As someone who cares about our community, I found it invaluable to learn about the inner workings of the police department. The sessions ranged from lighthearted and funny moments to some that had a much more serious tone, adding depth and perspective to the learning experience.
One thing that surprised me was discovering how much funding the police department receives annually and the details about how those resources are allocated. I feel they don’t get enough money for the job they do personally. There were so many highlights throughout the course, but getting the chance to do a ride along with an officer and even experiencing what it’s like to be tased (not me personally, but other people did get tased ) were definitely memorable!
Overall, I genuinely believe this is an incredible opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about our local police department. If you get the chance, I highly recommend signing up—you won’t be disappointed! They run this course twice a year so your next opportunity to take this course will be in the fall.
