Police Educational Programs

School Resource Officers (SRO)

The Apple Valley Police Department partners with Independent School District 196 to assign three School Resource Officers (SROs) to Apple Valley high schools and middle schools. This cost-sharing partnership allows SROs to be in the school buildings to handle a variety of youth-related issues including criminal investigations, addressing unruly conduct, and educating students and staff on public safety and criminal justice topics.

The presence of an SRO in school district buildings also provides school staff with a  personal contact who understands how the school environment and ongoing public safety issues connect.

The SRO assignment is a significant commitment for officers.  They are involved with students well beyond day-to-day activities; SROs spend time with the students at dances, extracurricular activities, and prom.  This presence has a positive impact on students by building relationships and approachability.

Citizens Academy
The Apple Valley and Rosemount Police Departments sponsor a Citizens Academy in the spring. The objective of the academy is to advance a better understanding of policing in Apple Valley and to foster a closer relationship and partnership with the community.

Topics covered over the course of the academy are drunk and drugged driving, school programs, domestic assault, investigations, SWAT operations, Dakota County Drug Task Force, use of force issues, property/evidence processing, and much more.  In addition to lecture presentations, participants ride with an officer, participate in and observe the DWI arrest process, and visit the Apple Valley shooting range.

There are no fees associated with the Academy.  Limited registration is open to anyone over the age of 18 who either lives or works in Apple Valley/Rosemount and has not attended a Citizens Academy within the last 5 years.  Criminal background checks will be conducted on all applicants.

For more information, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Pam Walter at 952-953-2706 or by email.

Teen Police Academy
The Teen Police Academy provides an exciting look into the inner workings of the Apple Valley Police Department.  Throughout the course, participants will learn about use of force, crime scene investigation, DWI enforcement, K9, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, and much more.

The Teen Academy is open to anyone of high school age either living or attending high school in Apple Valley and who has not participated in the Teen Academy within the last 5 years.  Criminal background checks will be conducted on all applicants.

For more information, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Pam Walter at 952-953-2706 or by email.

Apple Valley Police Explorer Post #571
The Apple Valley Police Department charters Law Enforcement Explorer Post #571.  Exploring is a program for young adults ages 14-21 to experience hands-on exposure to a career field they are interested in.

The Apple Valley Police Explorer Post carries a maximum of 25 members. Recruiting takes place each fall around the beginning of the school year during which time an informal meeting is held to explain our program in depth and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Interested in joining? Visit our webpage for more info or contact Officer Nic Wolf at (952) 953-2871. 

Police Mentor Program
The Apple Valley Police Department offers full-time students an opportunity to learn about the profession of law enforcement.

Our goal is to recruit and grow officers from our own community. The mentor program allows us to offer insights to local students who may want to pursue a career in law enforcement with the Apple Valley Police Department. Interested students from our community can call (952) 953-2700 or email us to see if we have openings.