The Community Police Academy is offering a four-week training program for University students and staff to learn about the field of law enforcement. 

Hosted at the University of Illinois Police Department, the program will last three hours on Wednesdays beginning in October. Some lessons will include the history of policing, investigation practices and simulations. 

Patrick Wade, communications director for the Division of Public Safety, said in an email the idea came from University of Illinois Police Chief Craig Stone, who offered a similar program to students and staff when he worked for The Ohio State University’s police department. The goal of the program is to “bridge the gap between the University community and UIPD.”

Participants of the CPA will see officers explain different aspects of the job, such as the bomb squad, traffic stops, K-9 units, SWAT and crime scene investigations.

“The CPA offers the ability to educate community members so they may make informed decisions and judgments on the daily activities conducted by UIPD officers,” Wade said.

Additionally, the CPA will allow for an open forum for officers and community members to discuss ways for the department and community to work together and promote positive communication between the department and the community, he said. 

Wade said it was important that community be emphasized, as opposed to a citizen’s police academy, to help everyone, no matter where they come from, feel welcome to the academy.

“This is a highly interactive program, and you will have the opportunity to see and do some things that you wouldn’t normally be able to,” Wade said.

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