Citizen Police Academy

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

The 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 & Times

The 46th Citizen Police Academy begins Sept. 13 and runs 10 consecutive Thursdays until Nov. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m., at Aurora Police Headquarters, 1200 E. Indian Tr. Space is limited to the first 50 applicants, however, we only have 30 openings as we had a waiting list for this class of 20 people.

You can apply online at the link below. Deadline is Sept. 11. A background check is required.


Online Citizens Academy Application
 

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 Taught


Information is taught about the following subjects:

  • Crime Prevention
  • Criminal Law
  • Evidence
  • Gang Awareness
  • Investigations
  • Juvenile
  • K9
  • 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.

Application


3 easy ways to apply!
  1.  Fill Out the Application Online
  2. Download the paper Citizen Academy application (PDF). Once you have finished filling out the application, sign it and mail it to:
    CPA
    Aurora Police Department
    1200 E Indian Trail
    Aurora, IL 60505
  3. Call 630-256-5342 or 630-256-5385.