Aurora Police Department Offers Citizen Academy For 52nd Year

AURORA, IL — Locals interested in learning about law enforcement and the functions of the Aurora Police Department can sign up to partake in the department's 52nd Citizen Police Academy.

Classes start Aug. 18 and run for 11 consecutive Thursdays. Each session will last from 6-9 p.m. and take place at APD headquarters, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road.

The program is free to attend and open to anyone 21 and older who lives, works or owns property in Aurora. Applications — which can be submitted online or dropped off or mailed to the police department — are due by Aug. 12.

Through the class, students will learn about APD and how officers function on a daily basis by learning about a variety of topics. Participants will also engage in practical exercises that cover building searches, crime scene processing and traffic stops.

Topics explored in the class will include the following:

• Crime Prevention
• Criminal Law
• Evidence
• Gang Awareness
• Investigations
• Juvenile
• K-9
• Overview of Patrol
• Problem Solving
• Telecommunications (911)
• Traffic Law
• Use of Force
• Vice and Narcotics

"It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our community," officials said. "Graduates will gain knowledge that they can implement to enhance the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods."

Graduates of the program will be encouraged to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and will also have the opportunity for continued education in the law enforcement field. People participating also have the opportunity for interactive association with the police department.

"One of the goals of the Citizen Police Academy, of course, is to help the residents of Aurora to better understand how policing is conducted their community," officials said. "It is hoped that all graduates of the Citizen Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and learn how and why they make the decisions they do while performing their duty."

Anyone with questions can call 630-256-5342 or email District 14 COP Officer Tracey Archer at archert@aurora.il.us.