Aurora Citizen Police Academy Explores Law, Drugs, Crime Scenes

AURORA, IL — Citizen Police Academy enrollment is overflowing this year with 40 people on its waiting list. But the class isn't full yet. They'll take 30 more people, and the deadline isn't until March 1. People will learn how the department functions on a daily basis by exploring a variety of interactive topics, which include: learning the difference between criminal and civil law, gang and drug awareness, use of force, investigations and juvenile law.

Participants will also engage in practical exercises that cover building searches, crime scene processing, and traffic stops, according to a press release from the Aurora Police Department. The academy is free to enroll and open to anyone 21 and over who lives, works or owns property in Aurora.

The 45th academy meets at Aurora Police Headquarters at 1200 E. Indian Trail every Thursday night from 6 - 9 p.m. beginning March 8, and runs for 10 weeks. A background check is required as part of the application.

Image: Caitlin Ketel