Writers’ Police Academy is like going to a theme park, where you have tons of fun, but the hands-on participation sometimes causes a bit of untidiness to land on hands and clothing. After all, this is actual police academy training. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Attire for the Saturday night banquet is typically business casual. It is also advisable to check weather forecasts in advance and bring appropriate rain gear, if necessary.

The event is designed with everyone in mind and our staff is on hand to see to it that your needs are met. The facilities are handicap accessible and user-friendly, complete with elevators and escalators. Classrooms and activity areas are conveniently located. Volunteers are in abundance and will gladly help should you need assistance. We provide transportation from the hotel to the academy, and back.

Yes, photos are permitted and encouraged, with permission of instructors. Please ask! Video and/or audio recordings, however, are NOT allowed at any time during the event.

No weapons of any type are permitted at the Writers’ Police Academy. This includes pocketknives, TASERs, chemical sprays, throwing stars, firearms, sticks, stones, and names that could hurt someone. Again, no weapons of any type. When it’s time to shoot, strike, explode, or spray something, we’ll provide the necessary weapon or device.

Your registration fee includes the group buffet breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Friday and Saturday lunches at the public safety academy are also included in your registration fee. You are on your own for dinner Thursday and Friday night. The Saturday night banquet with Guest of Honor Charlaine Harris is available for purchase during online registration, or by ticket. You may purchase extra banquet meals for friends and family by clicking the link on the main page of this site, or when registering for the event.

Unfortunately, no. Writers’ Police Academy events take place at an actual law enforcement training facility where, for young children, a certain amount of danger is present. While extreme safety measures and supervision by highly trained experts are present at all times, the event sometimes involves the use of firearms, small explosives, large vehicles, police canines, aircraft, patrol cars whose drivers are performing various maneuvers at fast speeds, and more. Also present are crime scene materials and images presented to attendees that are not suitable for young eyes and ears.

Yes, you may purchase extra tickets during online registration, or by purchasing a ticket separately. The banquet is open to the public, who may also purchase tickets without registering for the event.

Nearly everyone who attends the Writers’ Police Academy is an author; therefore, it is not feasible for us to provide space and time for everybody to sell copies of their books.

All books must be sold by the event bookstore, and book sales are limited to the event presenters, special guests, sponsors, and Guest of Honor.

If you would like to become a sponsor of the 2024 Writers Police Academy, read about the benefits, and sign up.

Yes. You will use the same equipment, vehicles, materials, and tools used by police officers and other first responders as part of their basic and in-service training, and in the field.

We wish we could say yes, but it’s impossible to fit every session into your event schedule. However, we have devised and implemented a plan in 2024 that allows attendees to see and participate in more of the excitement than in years past. It’s an action-packed, intense four days of fun and learning that will provide realistic details and valuable sustenance for your books.

Yes, Writers' Police Academy/Killer Con attendees may earn continuing education credit and a certificate from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.