Citizen's academy a valuable asset
What is HECPAAA? No, it's not one of those new medical or stock market abbreviations. It is Hoffman Estates Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association.
Our mission is to open the lines of communication between citizens and police through education. Well-informed citizens gain from their training in police practices and services. Graduates share their knowledge with others, reducing crime and creating a more efficient force.
The Hoffman Estates Police Department has spring and fall sessions, meeting once a week for 12 weeks. People 18 and older who reside, attend school or work in Hoffman Estates may participate. Class size is limited to 25.
Training includes mock crime scenes, evidence collection, K-9 duties, identity theft, personal and officer safety, drugs, traffic and crash investigations.
Presenters have included detectives, lawyers, evidence technicians and tactical officers, K-9 handlers and patrol officers.
Alumni members become very effective volunteers -- at the police station doing data entry and filing, at 4th of July festival fundraising events, directing traffic, at Family Day, at the teen pool party at Seascape, etc.
Funds were raised to purchase a pop-up trailer for training classes for the fire department. Donations have been made to John Muir Learning Academy.
One of our most enjoyable events is "Shop With a Cop," where officers and volunteers take 30 needy children Christmas shopping for themselves and their families. Each child shops with an officer; then alumni volunteers wrap presents.
A bus takes participants to the Hilton Garden Inn for a spectacular breakfast, entertainment and photo shoot -- meeting local sports celebrities.
The police department and village thanks HECPAAA members for volunteering with an appreciation dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn. Last year 1,800 hours were donated, which Chief Herdegen said saved the department $37,000. Attention, taxpayers!
There are other things also, but this gives you an idea how you can help. Join a class or donate to the association -- for a safer life and better understanding of the person wearing the badge.
To participate in an upcoming Citizen's Police Academy, contact Sgt. Jim Campbell at (847) 781-2866.
Fran Sleezer
Hoffman Estates