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Ever wonder why we do what we do? Then join the Citizen Police Academy!

The Citizen Police Academy allows you to learn how the police department and our officers function on a daily basis by exploring a wide variety of interactive topics including the difference between criminal and civil law, gang and drug awareness, use of force, investigations, juvenile law, and other relevant topics. You also engage in practical exercises that cover building searches, crime scene processing, and traffic stops. The academy is free of charge and open to anyone 21 or older who lives, works or owns property in Aurora.

Academy Dates and Times

The 52nd class of the Aurora Police Department's Citizen Police Academy will begin on August 18th and run for 11 consecutive Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Aurora Police Headquarters.

Requirements to Attend

Individuals who apply for the Citizen Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age. They must also live in the City of Aurora, work in the City of Aurora, or own property in the City of Aurora.

Reason to Attend

Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime. Therefore, the Aurora Police Department's Community Oriented Policing Bureau instituted the Citizen Police Academy to improve communication and to obtain citizen input and support throughout the city. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our community. Graduates will gain knowledge that they can implement to enhance the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods.

Subjects and Topics Covered

  • Crime Prevention
  • Criminal Law
  • Evidence
  • Gang Awareness
  • Investigations
  • Juvenile
  • K-9
  • Overview of Patrol
  • Problem Solving
  • Telecommunications (911)
  • Traffic Law
  • Use of Force
  • Vice and Narcotics

Participants will gain a working knowledge of the duties and responsibilities required to be a law enforcement officer in your community.

Benefits

Graduates will be encouraged to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. This will give graduates the opportunity for continued education in the field of law enforcement, also allow them to have an interactive association with the police department.

Goals

One of the goals of the Citizen Police Academy, of course, is to help the residents of Aurora to better understand how policing is conducted their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the Citizen Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and learn how and why they make the decisions they do while performing their duty.

How to Apply

Three easy ways to apply!

Applications are due by August 12th, 2022.

Online using this Citizen Police Academy Application Application Form

Download and print the Citizen Academy application (PDF). Once you have finished filling out the application and signed it: 

Scan the completed form and email it to: Officer Tracey Archer at [email protected]

Mail the completed form to: 

Aurora Police Department
Attn: Citizen Police Academy
1200 East Indian Trail
Aurora, IL  60605

Stop by Aurora Police Headquarters at 1200 East Indian Trail, Aurora, IL, and drop it off at the front desk. 

Have questions? 

Call 630-256-5342 or email [email protected].