Online Staff Report

The Rockford Police Department will be hosting the sixth Citizens Police Academy. All classes will be held at the Public Safety Building, 420 W. State St., with the exception of the third class, which will be held at the 9-1-1 center. The sessions run for an eight-week period, every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. The first session will begin at 6 p.m., Oct. 12.

Attendees will graduate from the academy with a better understanding of their role in partnering with the Rockford Police Department to reduce crime, increase the solve rate and improve the quality of life for everyone in Rockford.

What is the Citizens Police Academy?

The Rockford Police Department believes that education can be very effective in helping citizens gain understanding and support from the community. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into how police officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community.

The Mission of the Citizens Police Academy is to build cooperative relationships between citizens and the police through training and education. The police academy will produce a network of informed citizens who can return to their neighborhoods to organize, encourage and mobilize others, to partner with police in reducing crime in Rockford.

Course curriculum

The course curriculum covers: Patrol Operations, 9-1-1 Center operations, Community policing, Video camera system, including a tour of the viewing room; recognizing drug and gang activity; Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED); crime analysis; criminal law; city ordinances; seasonal crimes/scams/ID theft; Neighborhood Network; organizing and sustaining a watch group.

Who may attend Citizens Police Academy?

Any citizen who resides or works in the City of Rockford is encouraged to attend. Citizens must be 18 years of age or older.

Applications for the Citizens Police Academy can be obtained at the Rockford Police Department front desk. The applications are also available on the City of Rockford website, http://www.rockfordil.gov/police.aspx ^[1].

Applications can be turned in at the Rockford Police Department by sending them to: Rockford Police Department, Sgt. Patrick Hoey, 420 W. State St., Rockford, IL 61101.

For more information, contact Sgt. Patrick Hoey at (815) 987-5041.