Applications open for Community Police Academy in Champaign County

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Law enforcement agencies in Champaign County are giving community members a chance to experience their jobs without officially joining the police force.

Several agencies, including municipal and college police departments, the Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police Troop 7 are the organizations behind the Champaign County Community Police Academy. Held once a year, the academy is meant to provide stronger community-police relations, enhance lines of communication, and reduce crime.

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Topics of instruction and activities include a tour of the Champaign County Jail, METCAD, K9, SWAT and Bomb Squad demonstrations, officer ride-alongs, crime scene investigation, traffic stops, Crime Stoppers and much more.

The Community Police Academy will be held Wednesday nights between Sept. 11 and Nov. 6 at the Police Training Institute, located at 1004 South Fourth Street in Champaign. People may register for the Academy by contacting their local police department.

The City of Champaign has a limited number of seats available for the Academy, and they will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Applications can be downloaded here and returned to Champaign Police’s Joe Lamberson.

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