CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign County Community Police Academy is open for applications for the upcoming fall.

The annual academy includes three-hour blocks of instruction conducted weekly over a nine-week period. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at locations around Champaign-Urbana. The Fall 2025 Community Police Academy will be held September 10 through November 5, with instruction provided by Police Training Specialists from the Police Training Institute of the U of I’s campus, alongside officers and trainers from several participating police agencies.

Each session of instruction is designed not just to inform participants of various crime issues, but also seeks participant ideas for possible solutions. Graduates of the program will receive a certificate of completion.

Champaign residents can apply here before the application deadline of August 15.

Seats will be filled with Champaign residents on a first come, first served basis. Participants must live in Champaign and be at least 18 years of age to qualify for a Champaign Police Department seat at the Academy. Other Champaign County residents may register for the Community Police Academy by contacting their local Police Department.

Goals of Community Police Academy

  • Provide stronger citizen-police relationships
  • Enhance lines of communication with our public
  • Reduce crime in our communities

Benefits to Champaign County Residents

  • Gain a better understanding of the structure and operations of local law enforcement agencies
  • Work closely together with police officers and provide input, assistance, and support around community concerns
  • Improve lines of communication between police and community
  • Make better informed decisions regarding police functions, operations, and issues faced in the community
  • Develop solutions to help reduce crime in our communities

Topics of Instruction

  • Orientation to Law Enforcement and Police Training
  • Tour of the Champaign County Jail and METCAD
  • K-9, SWAT, and Bomb Squad Demos
  • Ride-along with Local Police Department
  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Community Policing
  • Judicial System
  • Courts, Police and DUI
  • Control & Arrest Tactics
  • Use of Force
  • Traffic Stops
  • Crime Stoppers
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal
  • Firearms
  • Terrorism
  • Drug Enforcement
  • Safety and Neighborhood Crime Watch