Registration Opens For Aurora Citizen's Police Academy

AURORA, IL — Registration is open for Aurora Police Department's free Citizen's Police Academy that starts March 14.

The program — offered in both English and Spanish — gives Aurora residents and business owners the chance to learn about their local police department and its officers' duties. Held Tuesday nights at police headquarters, 1200 E. Indian Trail Road, classes will discuss topics including the difference between criminal and civil law, gang and drug awareness, use of force, investigations and juvenile law, among other things.

Students will also be given chances to engage in practical exercises such as building searches, crime scene processing and traffic stops, officials said.

“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, police said. “Graduates will gain knowledge that they can implement to enhance the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods.”

The Citizen’s Police Academy will run for 11 weeks, and each session will take place from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Participants must be at least 21 years old.

Once finished with the academy, graduates are eligible to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, giving them the chance to continue their law enforcement education and interact with the police department, according to organizers.

Applications, which are due by March 3, can be found on the police department’s website.

Police said questions can be directed to Officer Tracey Archer (630-256-5342 or archert@aurora.il.us) or Officer Grant Weil (630-256-5385 or weilg@aurora.il.us).