ROCKFORD - (WIFR) The Rockford Police Department will host the Fourth Citizens Police Academy starting in October.

All classes will be held at the Public Safety Building, 420 W. State Street, with the exception of the second class which will be held at the 9-1-1 center. The session runs for an 8 week period, every Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The first session will be on Oct. 6th, 2010 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Attendees will graduate from the academy with a better understanding of their role in partnering with the Rockford Police Department to reduce crime, increase the solve rate and improve the quality of life for everyone in Rockford.

What is the Citizens Police Academy?:
The Rockford Police Department believes that education can be very effective in helping citizens gain understanding and support from the community. The Citizens Police Academy offers insight into how police officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community.

Mission of the Citizens Police Academy:
The mission of the Citizens Police Academy is to build cooperative relationships between citizens and the police through training and education. The police academy will produce a network of informed citizens who can return to their neighborhoods to organize, encourage and mobilize others, to partner with police in reducing crime in Rockford.

Curriculum :
Patrol Operations
9-1-1- Center operations
Community Policing
Video camera system, including a tour of the viewing room
Recognizing drug and gang activity
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Crime analysis
Criminal law
City ordinances
Seasonal crimes/scams/ID theft
Neighborhood Network
Organizing and sustaining a watch group

Who may attend the Citizen Police Academy:
Any citizen who resides or works in the City of Rockford is encouraged to attend. Citizens must be 18 years of age or older.

How to apply for the Citizens Police Academy:
Applications for the Citizen Police Academy can be obtained at the Rockford Police Department front desk. The applications are also available on the city of Rockford website. (select the public safety tab and then the police department tab)

Applications can be turned in at the Rockford Police department by sending them to:
Rockford Police Department
Sgt. Patrick Hoey
420 W. State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61101