August 25, 2009
Participants sought for Citizens Police Academy
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Department of Public Safety and Carbondale Police Department will offer students the opportunity to learn first-hand about police work.
The 2009 Citizens Police Academy begins next month, and the departments are looking for participants. The 12-session academy begins Tuesday, Sept. 22, with instruction by SIUC police officers, Carbondale police officers, and some outside instructors.
This is the third year for the program, and it helps students to see policing from two departments in the area, said SIUC police officer Scott Miller. Students gain a better understanding of what police do and how they do their jobs, Miller said.
Classes generally meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Carbondale police range, with one class on Saturday, Nov. 14. Each class focuses on a different aspect of the police department and criminal justice system. Some of the programs will include introduction to patrol, traffic stops, patrol tactics, crime scene investigations -- including a mock crime scene, driving under the influence, K-9 patrol, explosives and firearms, Miller said.
There is no limit in class size at this time, Miller said. Both departments will offer ride-alongs. Participants must sign waivers to be in the program.
Classes are open to Carbondale residents, those with SIUC affiliations, or anyone in college who is considering a potential career in law enforcement.
Applications are available at both the SIUC Department of Public Safety and Carbondale Police Department, and are available online at http://www.dps.siu.edu/ and http://www.carbondalepolice.com/. Anyone interested in attending classes and who needs more information can contact Miller at 618/453-3771, or Carbondale Police Community Resource Officer Randy Mathis at 618/457-3200, ext. 428.