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Citizen Police Academy

The Wheeling Police Department is now accepting applications for the next Citizen's Police Academy - scheduled to take place from September 1 through November 17, 2011. These FREE classes will meet Thursday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:30pm and will cover just about everything of interest concerning Law Enforcement in Wheeling. This course allows residents an inside look at the expertise and operations of their Police Department. Applications can be obtained from either the Police Department or on line. Seats are limited, so register early. Residents wanting more information should contact the Crime Prevention Unit at:
1-847-459-2994

Instruction will take place in the Wheeling Municipal Complex at 255 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling Illinois.

Purpose of the Academy

The Academy is designed to increase understanding between citizens and the police through education.  Our intent is to acquaint citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and to provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work.

With better understanding, it becomes easier for police and citizens to find realistic solutions to neighborhood problems.

Instructors

The instructors are officers and personnel from the Department who teach their own areas of expertise.  Each has years of training and experience in the subject.  The officers also bring street experience into the classroom.

Subjects

The initial session will include an introduction, an orientation and presentation on the history and organization of the Wheeling Police Department.  In the weeks that follow, topics will include information on specific department units, including patrol, Traffic, Crime Prevention/Community Relations, Forensic Evidence and investigations.  Law enforcement issues that will be discussed include domestic violence, child abuse, use of force, criminal law, major crimes and community policing.

During the 10 weeks, there will also be a demonstration by Duke, the Wheeling Police Canine.

Upon completion of the 10 weeks, Academy members will have the option to ride in a patrol car for one shift to see first-hand what officers see and hear, and what they are trained to do under a variety of circumstances. Graduates also have the option of joining the Wheeling Police Department's Citizens Patrol.

Throughout, participants are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics with department personnel.

How are participants selected?

The department attempts to reflect the broadest possible range within our community; this includes young and old, men and women, and representatives of schools, businesses and civic groups.

To Apply

Call or e-mail us for and application.  Or you can print an application from our Forms and Permits page in the Reference Desk section of our website.  Click here to go to the Forms and Permits page.  You will be notified if you are selected for the next session.  There is no fee for the Academy.

The Wheeling Police Department's philosophy of Problem Oriented Policing is being designed to build a partnership with our citizens.  The partnership will work to find solutions to Identified Issues in our neighborhoods, on our streets and in our industrial and commercial areas.