Training & Police Academy

New officers begin training on their very first day with the department. New hires spend several weeks training in the classroom before attending an intensive 13-week program at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre to earn their South Dakota Law Enforcement Officer certification. After graduating from the Academy, new hires begin an 18-week Police Officer Field Training Program. This program helps the officer learn hands-on, and ensures that the officer is prepared and ready to work on his or her own. At the end of the field training program, the new officer will receive a permanent shift assignment on patrol.

The Rapid City Police Department serves the nearly 80,000 citizens of Rapid City, the citizens of nearby suburban areas, and the estimated 2 million tourists that visit our community and the Black Hills region every year. We are continually working to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the people we serve.

We offer a variety of services, and are especially proud of our proactive programs to keep our community safe, such as the School Liaison Program and our civilian traffic investigators. We also see ourselves as a leader in quality training throughout the region, with outstanding recruit training and Field Officer Training programs to cultivate committed, courteous officers for our department.

Mission Statement

Community First, Service Above Self, Integrity-Driven. One Interaction at a time.

Vision Statement

Striving for a safe and crime-free Rapid City.

Purpose

Provides law enforcement patrol and investigative services.

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