Citizens' Police Academy Gives Inside Look at Local Law Enforcement

Openings are now available for the Tinley Park Police Department's first Citizens' Police Academy, a program that goes inside the department to show how law enforcement works locally. Applications are due Nov. 1.

The academy, which runs over 12 weeks next year from Jan. 17 to April 11, is free and open to anyone at least 21 years old who lives or works in Tinley Park, a village press release stated. Applicants are subject to a background check. The program is limited to 25 students, the release continued.

Communication between residents and police was the driving force behind the development of the academy, according to the program's application. Classes look at different areas of the police department to give participants an idea of how decisions are made and why, the application continued. Graduates of the academy will be encouraged to join the alumni association, which will work with Tinley police on future projects, the application stated.

Classes will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays. Applications can be downloaded from the village's website or picked up at police headquarters. Contact Sgt. Keith Sullivan or Sgt. Christopher Butler at 708-444-5000 for more information.

Two Ways to Stay Connected to Tinley Park Patch:

• Subscribe to our newsletters to have headlines and breaking news delivered to your inbox.
• "Like" our Facebook page for updates throughout the day.