Citizen Academy Offers Glimpse Into Inner Workings of Sheriff's Office

Sheriff John Zaruba is looking for a few good men and women interested in attending the next Citizen Police Academy at the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. Classes begin Sept. 2 and will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings for 15 weeks.

While many citizen police academies expose students to law enforcement activities, the Sheriff’s Citizen Police Academy also provides students with a hands-on look at the inner workings of the DuPage County Jail, Crime Laboratory and Courthouse.

The academy’s curriculum includes of a wide variety of interactive experiences supplemented by limited in-classroom lecture. Each week, students participate in mock exercises, such as re-enacting traffic stops, dispatching officers, using a firearms simulator and participating in courtroom proceedings.

Other topics include Crime Scene Investigations, Gang Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Bomb Unit, SWAT Team, and Financial Identity Theft.

Residents who have graduated from municipal citizen police academies are welcome to attend, as areas unique to the Sheriff’s Office will be covered in detail. Students, who complete the academy, will also have the opportunity to join Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS).

The Sheriff’s Citizen Police Academy is open to all DuPage County residents. Academy tuition is free, but enrollment is limited to a first-come, first-serve basis. Applicants must submit to a warrant and criminal history check. Applicants who have been convicted of a violent crime may be disqualified.

Anyone wanting information or wishing to register for one of available openings may call 630-407-2317 or email Sergeant Randy Groh at randy.groh@dupagesheriff.org. Applications are also be available online at the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy.

PHOTO: DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba