Oak Forest Cops Seek Citizens for Police Academy

OAK FOREST, IL – The Oak Forest Police Department is accepting applications for its Citizens Police Academy, a 12-week program designed to provide residents a working knowledge of law enforcement

and police department operations. The program is free of charge and is limited to 25 students.

“Citizens will gain important insight into how police officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community,” said Community Program Officer Todd Arthur. “The purpose of the academy is to foster better communication between citizens and police through education.

The academy will create a nucleus of well-informed citizens who possess greater insight into police practices and services. Graduates of the academy will be encouraged to share their knowledge and experience with other community members as opportunities arise—"creating a win-win situation for the police department, participants and community," Arthur said.

The class will meet every Monday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the police department from September 19 through December 5. The academy will be both informative and educational, with some classes allowing hands-on participation.

Applications are available until September 12 at the Oak Forest Police Department, located at 15440 Central Avenue, or online at www.oak-forest.org. All applicants must be 18 years old or older.

For more information, please contact Officer Todd Arthur at 708-687-4050, ext. 1219 or e-mail tarthur@oak-forest.org.