Romeoville Citizens Police Academy Starts March 14

The Romeoville Police Department will host its Citizens Police Academy starting March 14.

Applications for the free, 12-week course are due Feb. 24. Classes are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the police department, 1050 W. Romeo Road.

"The purpose of the Citizen Police Academy is to give citizens of the community a working

knowledge of the Romeoville Police Department," according to a flier for the program. "It is hoped that this program will allow participants to get to know the members of the Police Department better, and that through this personal contact, better understand how and why officers make the decisions they do."

Topics include:

• Gang awareness
• Law (criminal/traffic)
• Traffic Stops/Radar (hands on)
• Firearm safety (students will have the option of firing our service weapons at the range)
• K-9 procedure

Class participants also have the opportunity to take part in a patrol ride-along with a Romeoville police officer.