Lombard Police Department takes CPA class on the road
LOMBARD, Illinois— A new initiative this fall is the Lombard Police Department's Senior Citizens Police Academy (CPA.) Classes begin on location the beginning of October.
This program will provide an excellent opportunity for senior citizens, who reside at Beacon Hill, Lexington Square and Sunrise Senior Living, to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the Police Department, according to Sergeant Dave Kundrot, Coordinator for the class.
“Attending the Academy will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies and laws that guide the Department's decisions,” Kundrot added. “It is not intended to make residents into police officers, but to allow residents to learn more about police operations, crime prevention, laws, resources and information to improve the quality of life for senior residents,” he added. Residents will become informed as to the actual role of the police and in return the police will benefit from the wealth of knowledge that residents can give about their community.
Senior citizens living within a community have a unique set of needs and concerns, some of which lie in the areas of personal safety, crime, and fear of crime. Members of the senior community are sometimes targeted by the criminal element as victims of their criminal activity. The Lombard Police Department is taking a proactive stand, through the creation of the Senior Citizens Police Academy. Topics are chosen to meet their specific needs and provide information that will hopefully improve their everyday quality of life.
The Lombard Police values its relationship with the senior community and would like to continue to develop and build upon this relationship through this new program.
The Lombard Police Department has been conducting a CPA since 1997. This program was designed to present a better working knowledge of the police, provide a candid look at modern policing, improve communication between citizens and police by seeking input, reduce barriers by creating personal interaction between police and residents and provide a better understanding of police through education and dispel myths, rumors and suspicion.
The goals of the CPA program are to enhance community relations, increase community support, educate the public on procedures, tactics and purpose of the police, expose members of the police department to the needs, opinions and expectations of the public and present an overview of the Police Department's mission, values, resources and structure.