The Prairie Village Citizens Police Academy is a community-involved program designed to provide citizens with first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a modern police department.  It is held in the fall, typically lasts 10 weeks, and takes place each Wednesday evening.

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Each year, with the assistance of the Prairie Village Police Department’s D.A.R.E. officer and Prairie Village elementary school staff, 10 children and their families are chosen to participate in this event.  We receive donations of gift cards and products from many local vendors for gift bags, in addition to funding from the City of Prairie Village Municipal Foundation for the purchases we make.  Our officers take the children shopping at Target in Mission, then bring them back to the station to have a pizza and ice cream party.  Our staff of volunteer ‘elves’ wraps all their presents for them, and they are able to go home that evening with what we hope will make the holiday season a little brighter for each of the children and their families.

The Prairie Village Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) is a high-visible, non-confrontational volunteer group formed to help reduce and prevent crime in the City of Prairie Village.

The primary task of the VIPS will be to provide crime deterrence through high-visibility patrols, report on in-progress crimes, document suspicious persons or activities and/or unsafe conditions within an assigned patrol area.  VIPS members will provide operational assistance to on-duty Department members. VIPS members should keep in mind the inherent liability placed upon the City of Prairie Village whenever on duty.  By wearing the uniform and patrolling, members represent the Prairie Village Police Department.

One of the requirements to become a volunteer is to complete the Department's Citizens Academy.  Once this is completed, you may contact Sgt. Josh Putthoff to inquire about future openings.