Citizen Police Academy Opens Registration for Fall Session

The Evanston Police Department has opened up registration for its Fall 2011 Citizen Police Academy program. The Citizen Police Academy is a twelve week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Evanston Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week on Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

There are two academy sessions per year (Spring & Fall Sessions) and each class size is limited to approximately 25 students. The academy is FREE to anyone who lives or works in Evanston. The Fall session begins August 25, 2011. To enroll, contact Officer Loyce Spells at 847/859-7843 or lspells@cityofevanston.org.

Application available here: CPA Application.pdf

The classes will 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 effect law enforcement efforts in the City of Evanston, and how to develop a partnership with the police department.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to attending the class sessions, each participant must complete a four hour ride-along with a patrol unit and participate in a three-hour observation in the E-911 center. You may not miss more than two classes during the 12 week course.

GOALS

• To create a better understanding and communication between the citizens and police through education.

• To develop a partnership between the citizens and police in order to establish a safer community.

BENEFITS

When residents take a more personal interest in their city, and the protection of their community and neighborhoods, they will enjoy a safer and closer relationship with their neighbors. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a diploma and an academy jacket. Graduates are encouraged to become active members of the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. This will give them the opportunity for continued education in the field of law enforcement and other related areas. It will also allow them to have a more interactive association with the police department if they choose. All Department volunteers must be academy graduates.

WHY?

Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime in any community. Therefore the Evanston Police Department instituted the Citizen Police Academy, to improve communication and obtain input and support throughout the city. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and creating solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our community. Graduates will take their knowledge back into their neighborhoods where they can use it to enhance the quality of neighborhood life.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

Individuals who apply for the Citizen Police Academy must be at least 18 years of age. They must also live, work or own property in the City of Evanston.

CURRICULUM SUMMARY

• Station Tour / Patrol Ride-Along

• Criminal Justice System / Adjudication Hearing Proceedings

• Patrol Procedures / Traffic Laws - Accident Investigations

• Youth Services / Victim – Witness Services

• Crime Scene Investigations (CSI)/ Evidence Technicians

• Criminal Investigations / Juvenile Investigations

• Use of Force Laws / Shoot - Don’t Shoot Exercise

• Neighborhood Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) / Gangs & Drugs

• Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving

• Police Survival Skills / Self-Defense / Martial Arts

• Office of Professional Standards / Internal Affairs

• SWAT Operations (N.I.P.A.S)

• 911 Center Observation

• Crime Analysis

• Humane Investigation/Animal Cruelty/K-9 Police Services

Instructors include members of the Evanston Police Department, Northwestern University Police Department, and the Cook County States Attorney's Office.