January 10, 2007

Applications available for Citizen's Police Academy

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Want a little more insight into how police operate? Beginning next month, up to 20 Carbondale residents, including Southern Illinois University Carbondale students, can gain first-hand experience with the Citizen's Police Academy.

The academy is a free, 12-week class that focuses on a variety of topics within the police department and criminal justice system — investigations, crime scene processing, traffic stops, use of force, K-9, and firearms. SIUC and Carbondale police officers, and outside instructors in certain subjects, will teach the three-hour classes, held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Carbondale police range.

Classes include lectures, demonstration, and role-play instruction.

Classes start Feb. 6, and are set for each Tuesday — excluding March 13 — with a final class on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The class size is limited to 15 to 20 people, and individuals 18 and older. The application deadline is Feb. 2.

Students in previous classes included working professionals, retirees, college professors, homemakers, and college and high school students. Applications are available at the SIUC Department of Public Safety, Washington Square, Building A, or the Carbondale Police Department.

For more information, contact SIUC police officer Scott Miller at 618/453-3771 or Carbondale Police Department community resource officer Randy Mathis at 618/453-3200, ext/ 428.