The Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week program that aims to enhance communication between the police and the community, as well as allow residents and business owners to learn the inner workings of the South Holland Police Department.

Participants get a better understanding of the challenges that the police department faces and the steps police take to ensure the safety of the community. Participants will see how police equipment works and then have the opportunity to use the equipment.

The Citizens Police Academy is taught by South Holland police officers in an interactive classroom setting.

Participants will be exposed to and learn about:

• Patrol Functions
• Investigations
• Traffic Enforcement
• Radio Dispatch and Records Divisions
• Use of Force
• Crime Scene Processing
• Firearms and Range Training
• Identity Theft
• School Resource Officer / Juvenile Law
• Administration
• South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force
• SWAT

The Citizens Police Academy starts on April 6 and concludes with a graduation ceremony on June 22.
Classes will be held on Saturdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the South Holland Public Library, 16250 Wausau Avenue.

Class size is limited to 20 participants who must either reside in South Holland, or be a business owner in South Holland. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and pass a background check to be enrolled. There is no charge for enrollment.

Applications are now available 24 hours a day at the Police Department, 16220 Wausau Avenue.