How do police officers process a crime scene? When are police allowed to use deadly force? What steps can you take to crime proof your home?
The Flossmoor Police Department will answer those questions, and more, at its 12-week Citizen Police Academy. Applications are available for the academy, which was started two years ago to increase understanding between residents and the police department
Classes start April 2 and will take place Thursdays between 6:30 and 9 p.m. The academy is free and consists of both informative presentations and hands-on experiences. Applicants must be 18 years old and a Flossmoor resident or work in Flossmoor. A criminal background check will be conducted on each applicant.
During the academy, students will learn about traffic laws, DUI enforcement, crime prevention, juvenile law, the use of force and arrest procedures, accident investigations, shoot and don’t shoot scenarios, drug identification, and crime scene investigation. Participants will tour the police station and use the department firing range.
Instructors are drawn from all levels of the police department. Students are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues.
Upon completion of the course, graduates will be encouraged to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, which can give them an opportunity to have a more interactive relationship with the police department.
The academy is not designed to make applicants certified police officers.
Applications for the Citizen Police Academy are being accepted through March 15. A limited numb er of students will be accepted.
For further information, interested persons can contact Deputy Chief Tod Kamleiter at 708.957.4500 or [email protected]. An application form is available at the Flossmoor village website, www.flossmoor.org.