The Berwyn Police Department in its continuing efforts to provide public safety and to enhance the public’s knowledge and awareness of the criminal justice system, will be hosting a twelve (12) week Citizens Police Academy. This program is not designed to make students certified police officers, nor give the graduates any authority to act as police officers in any way.
The Citizens Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement. The purpose of the Academy is to increase understanding between the citizens through education and interaction with members of the police department. The Academy gives citizens the opportunity to learn what the police do and why we do it. It is hoped that the instruction will increase police awareness to dispel suspicions and misconceptions, all while increasing police/community relations through this educational program.
The Academy will begin Wednesday, August 31, 2011 and will consist of twelve (12) consecutive Wednesday night classes; these will be held in the Community Room of the Berwyn Police Department from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The instruction is comprehensive and each week separate areas of the department will be covered. Instruction will be given in: Uniformed Patrol Operations, Criminal Law, Criminal Investigations, Juvenile Law, Crime Scene Investigations and Processing, Arson Investigation, Traffic Laws, Weapons & Use of Force, Street Gang and Drug Awareness. In addition, other areas of public safety will be presented. Members of the Berwyn Police and Fire Departments will be the instructors of the program. The course format will include guest speakers, demonstrations and observations of real time police operations. At the conclusion of the twelve (12) week program there will be a graduation for the candidates who will become an alumni member and have an opportunity to take part in periodic in-service lessons and activities.
Applications will be available at the front desk of the Berwyn Police Department. Applications must be completed and returned to the Berwyn Public Safety Center no later than Wednesday, August 17, 2011. This program is limited to the first thirty-five (35) applicants; other applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the next block of instructions. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all applicants. Applicants must be Berwyn residents, at least twenty-one (21) years of age, with no prior felony convictions and no misdemeanor arrests in the last twelve (12) months.
Acceptance into the program will be at the full discretion of the Berwyn Police Department. Any questions regarding the Citizen Police Academy, please contact Detective Brian Cantwell at 708-795-2151.
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