City Police to Bring Back Citizen's Police Academy

Citizen’s Police Academy is a no-cost, seven-week program designed to acquaint community residents who are not sworn Police Officers with insight and understanding of daily Law Enforcement operations. The objective of the Academy is not to make Police Officers out of graduates, but to make them better informed citizens, with an accurate knowledge of the officers' many responsibilities and functions. The program is offered with the goal of enhancing, through education, the relationship between the Effingham Police Department and the citizens they protect and serve.

The program consists of a two-hour class held at the Police Department every Wednesday from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. for six consecutive weeks beginning June 5th, with Week Seven being the Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, July 16th at the City Council meeting. Upon completion of the course, graduates receive a diploma, polo shirt, and a class photo.

Graduates of the Academy will become Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni and will have the opportunity to volunteer at the Police Department, go on ride-a-longs with Officers, and receive continued education in the field of Law Enforcement and related areas. It also allows them to have a more interactive association with the Police Department.

Participants will gain hands-on experience while they learn the daily activities of Police Officers and the Professional Staff personnel. Individuals who participate will become familiar with the many different Bureaus and Divisions that make up Effingham Police Department, learning what each Bureau is responsible for and what types of activities are required by each Bureau. Participants will also learn about arson investigations by Effingham Fire Department, learning how the Police and Fire Departments work together for the benefit of Effingham citizens. Academy participants will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities which may include virtual Use-of-Force training scenarios, community policing, evidence collection, simulated traffic stops, and more.

To register, complete a Registration Form that can be picked up in person at the Police Department or found on the Department website at www.effinghamil.com under Services, Police Department, Get Involved. Return the completed form to CPO Jake Lustig at the Police Department, or mail to the address listed below by June 1st:

Citizen’s Police Academy...Wednesdays from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. ...June 5, 2019 – July 16, 2019...Effingham Police Department ...Attn: CPO Jake Lustig...110 S. 3rd Street, Effingham...JTLustig@effinghamil.com...217-342-5318.