Teen Citizens Police Academy
January 14 - March 18, 2009

What is it

The Teen Citizens Police Academy is a ten week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Carol Stream Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week on Wednesday evenings for a three hour duration. The next  class starts  January 14, 2009 and is limited to twenty students. There is no cost to anyone who enrolls.

The classes will provide an overview of the various areas of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the Village of Carol Stream. Most classes are taught by members of the Carol Stream Police Department in their various areas of expertise.

  Goals

This program was developed as an extension of our Neighborhood Watch and Crime Prevention Programs. The mission of the Teen Citizens Police Academy is to provide the young adults of Carol Stream an opportunity to learn about the role and functions of the Carol Stream Police Department.  It is hoped that all graduates of the Teen Citizens Police Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing that duty. The program is also designed to provide valuable information to those young adults who are interested in a career in law enforcement.  While fostering better communication between youth and police through education, the Teen Citizens Police Academy seeks also to improve the quality of life through a strong commitment to community policing.

Why

The Carol Stream Police Department is committed to the philosophy of Community Policing. The Teen Citizens Police Academy will provide a forum to improve the line of communication between the police and the community. It is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to quality of life issues that face our community. Graduates will be able to take their knowledge back into their neighborhoods where they can inform other community members about the Police Department.

Benefits

Community members will become much more informed about the Carol Stream Police Department, which will provide for a better understanding of what the police can and cannot do. The police and the citizens benefit by meeting each other face-to-face in a neutral, friendly setting. Participating citizens get to know the person behind the badge. Police are exposed to citizens, who instead of demanding something, are interacting with them in a non-confrontational environment. As a result, police officers and citizens foster an improved relationship with increased respect for one another.

  Who Can Attend

Individuals who apply for the Teen Citizens Police Academy must be 13-17 years of age and reside in the Carol Stream area.  Applicants must be currently enrolled in school and be in good academic standing.  Applicants will be subject to a background check and must not have a serious arrest history.  After submitting a completed application, applicants will be informed in writing as to whether they have been accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list for a future class.

What it is not

The Teen Citizens Police Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers. The contents of this course are of an informative nature only and it is not intended that the graduates have the authority of or act as police officers.

Those wishing to apply or just seeking more information about the Teen Citizens Police Academy, please contact:

Teen CPA Agenda

Teen CPA Application

Officer Chuck Ranweiler
Carol Stream Police Department
500 North Gary Avenue
Carol Stream, IL 60188
(630) 871-6215

cranweiler@carolstream.org