Registration Kicks Off For 2024 Citizens Police Academy In Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — Locals will once again have a chance to learn about the inner workings of the Oswego Police Department through the annual Citizen's Academy kicking off Feb. 21.

Registration for the 2024 academy opened Thursday, police announced.

The program offers Oswego residents and business owners the chance to learn about their local police department and its officers' duties. Held for 13 consecutive Wednesday nights in the community room at police headquarters, 3355 Woolley Road, classes will discuss topics including patrol tactics, crime scene investigations, court procedures and drunk driving enforcement.

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

Each session will take place from 6:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m. Class sizes can be a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 people, officials said. To be eligible, people 18 and older must reside, own property or operate a business within Oswego.

Applications are available at police headquarters or as an online form. The deadline to apply is noon on Feb. 16. Once participants complete the academy, graduates are eligible to join the Citizen's Police Academy Alumni group.

Anyone with questions about the Citizen's Police Academy can contact Officer Stephen Bailey at 630-551-7364 or Deputy Chief Chris Biggs at 630-551-7300.