Free Police Academy Classes For Oswego Citizens To Start Again

OSWEGO, IL — Offering residents a chance to learn about their local police department and its officers' duties, the Oswego Police Department has opened registration for its free Citizen's Police Academy for which classes start Feb. 9.

Held weekly Wednesday nights at police headquarters, 3355 Woolley Road, classes that teach about topics including patrol, investigations, crime scenes and drunk driving enforcement will run for 13 weeks. Classes will be socially distanced according to guidelines, and each session will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until about 8:30 p.m.

"This class is designed to promote better communication between Village citizens and the Oswego Police Department by fostering a better understanding of the needs of law enforcement and the community," reads a Wednesday news release from the police department.

Students of the academy may also participate in practicals to experience what it's like to be a police officer, officials said. Open dialogue during sessions is also encouraged.

Classes will have between 12 to 20 students, and once they complete the academy, graduates are eligible to join the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni group. To be eligible, people 18 and older must reside, own property or operate a business within Oswego.

To pick up an application, interested people can visit police headquarters or fill out an online form. The deadline to apply is noon on Feb. 4.