The ultimate goal is to foster a positive community-based relationship between citizens and the department.The Village of Hillside’s Citizens Police Academy is open to residents or business owners who are interested in learning more about policing in the Village of Hillside. The main purpose of the ten week academy program is to create a positive understanding and awareness of current law enforcement issues and duties as they relate to the community. In addition, participants will be exposed to the tasks and hazards that face all police officers in our community. The ultimate goal is to foster a positive community-based relationship between citizens and the department. The program is not designed to make applicants certified police officers. Participation does not provide graduates with police authority or the ability to act as police officers.
Some recent graduates had this to say-
I really enjoyed the class this Fall 2009. It was a great way to connect the community with the Hillside Police Department and to make the residents a little more aware of the things happening in our own neighborhood. It has most definitely caused me to be a lot more observant and aware of my surroundings and know what to look for when I see something suspicious. Thank you so much for the class!
Monique L. Cade
Class of 2009
I would like to take this time to thank you for an exciting 10 week class. The class helped me to understand how and why you put your lives on the line to protect us as citizens. The class was very informative, we are able to identify suspicious activity in our community, and work with the police department with problems in our area. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of a wonderful experience!
Shirley Mason
Class of 2009
Our academy’s philosophy centers on an open, informal learning environment. Open dialogue is encouraged and appreciated, as long as it is presented in a tolerant and respectful way. A sincere commitment to the program is a must. We will meet one day a week for 3 hours beginning the first week of February until the second week of April. I will choose the day of the week based on a majority preference as indicated on the applications. If you cannot commit to every Academy date, please reconsider your application. We intend to expose you to the daily tasks, the requirements, the culture, and the pros and cons to a career in law enforcement.
Academy Requirements and Contact information
Applicants for the Hillside Citizen Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the Village of Hillside. For security purposes, a criminal history check and a driver’s license check will be performed, pending your written authorization. If no authorization is given, enrollment in the program will be denied. Applicants with felony convictions and/or certain misdemeanor convictions will be excluded from consideration.
Applications can be picked up at the police station, 425 N. Hillside Ave., from the dispatch center or the Village Hall. Please return your applications no later than January 4th, 2013.
Space is limited, please apply as soon as you can so that a start date can be established.
For additional information, contact either Sgt. Strebar at 708-202-4389, email at cstrebar@hillside-il.org, or Ofc. Chris Villarreal at 708-449-6133, email at cvillarreal@hillside-il.org.
