News Flash

MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department celebrated the graduation of the sixth class of its Junior Police Academy on Friday, June 13, at Muscatine Community College (MCC). More than 20 junior and senior high school students completed the intensive five-day program designed for those interested in exploring a career in law enforcement.

“We always have a fantastic group of students and this year was no different,” Sergeant Joe Bryant, Junior Police Academy Program Director, said. “I especially enjoy seeing students become more comfortable and engaging with their peers and officers. Throughout the week students showed improved leadership skills which is one of our areas of focus to help students succeed in their future endeavors.”

Students participated in a series of interactive sessions throughout the week led by local law enforcement professionals. The program offered a firsthand look at the responsibilities, challenges, and tools of the trade for modern law enforcement.

The graduation ceremony, held at Muscatine Community College, was attended by proud family and friends. Each student was recognized with a certificate of completion. Two scholarships were awarded during the ceremony: the MCC Foundation Scholarship was presented to Emrie Koch, and the Muscatine Police Officers Association Scholarship was awarded to Ava Garcia.

The Academy’s final day included a “Stop the Bleed” course sponsored by the Muscatine Fire Department and an introduction to the Eastern Iowa Community College Criminal Justice program.

Highlights from the week included:

• Thursday: Detectives from the Major Crime Unit and Muscatine County Drug Task Force discussed complex investigations and the daily responsibilities of a detective. Students also visited the Muscatine County Courthouse, where they learned about the judicial process and participated in a mock trial guided by a district court judge, the Assistant County Attorney, and a local defense attorney.
• Wednesday: Students explored the OWI arrest process and practiced Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) using "drunk goggles." They also learned about K-9 operations from Muscatine Police and Louisa County Sheriff's Office handlers, witnessing demonstrations in drug detection, tracking, and apprehension.
• Tuesday: The focus was on the Muscatine Special Operations Response Team (MSORT), physical fitness, and crime scene processing. Students engaged in tactical simulations, including officer/citizen down recovery and building clearing. They also processed a mock crime scene, photographing, collecting, and analyzing evidence using real techniques and equipment.
• Monday: The Academy kicked off with defensive tactics training and hands-on practice using the VirTra Force simulator, which provides immersive training scenarios for law enforcement.

The Muscatine Police Department and Muscatine Police Officers Association expressed their gratitude to the local businesses that sponsored daily lunches for students and instructors:

• Monday: Silverhawk Fabrications
• Tuesday: Bayer
• Wednesday: Kwik Star
• Thursday: SSAB
• Friday: HNI

The Junior Police Academy continues to serve as a valuable opportunity for students to explore the field of law enforcement, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and engage with the professionals who serve and protect their community.

The Junior Police Academy is held yearly and the next opportunity will be in the summer of 2026. Look for informational posters at the following high schools: Muscatine, Wilton, Durant, West Liberty, L&M, and Columbus. 

For questions or more information contact Sgt. Joe Bryant, Junior Police Academy program director at jbryant@muscatineiowa.gov.