Citizens Police Academy
The Citizen’s Police Academy is a program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Berkeley Police Department. It consists of a series of classes, discussions and hands on demonstrations. Classes are held once every other week from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm for 8 weeks and the classes are limited to 25 students. The classes provide an in-depth view into various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the Village of Berkeley.
GOAL
The Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to help the residents of Berkeley better understand how the police department works within their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the Citizen’s Police Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing that duty. When residents take a more personal interest in their village, and the protection of their community and neighborhoods, they will enjoy a safer and closer relationship with their neighbors. The Citizen’s Police Academy will allow them to have a more interactive association with the police department.
WHY ATTEND?
Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime in any community. Therefore, the Berkeley Police Department instituted the Citizen’s Police Academy to improve communication and obtain citizen input and support throughout the village. It is hoped that the graduates will become partners with the Berkeley Police Department in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting the community. Graduates will take their knowledge back to their neighborhoods where they can use it to enhance the quality of neighborhood life. Graduates will also be allowed to participate as a Berkeley Auxiliary Citizen Police Officer through the Berkeley Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association.
Enroll Now
Individuals who apply for the Citizen’s Police Academy must be 18 years of age and reside or work within the Village of Berkeley. Applicants will also be subjected to a criminal background investigation. The Berkeley Citizen’s Police Academy is scheduled to begin soon, and continue each Thursday. A Citizen’s Police Academy application (PDF) and waiver form (PDF) can be found at the Village Hall or online at www.berkeley.il.us and must be returned , by mail, e-mail or FAX:
Officer Kevin Manetti
Berkeley Police Department
5819 Electric Avenue Berkeley, IL 60163
(708) 449-8660 (FAX)