Learn the life of a real cop

After a temporary hiatus resulting from financial constraints, the Schaumburg Police Department's Citizens Police Academy is returning this fall.

I chronicled my own weekly experiences with the class last year. But for those truly seeking a deeper understanding of the life and work of a real police officer (as opposed to a TV scriptwriter's imagination), there can be no substitute for taking the class yourself.

The academy is open to anyone 18 older who lives or works in Schaumburg. Fall session classes will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks from Oct. 7 through graduation on Dec. 16.

In addition to learning from representatives of all divisions within the police department, you will visit the dispatch center, ride along with a patrol officer (and possibly witness an arrest, as I did), practice mock traffic stops and room searches and join in firearms training.

For more information or to obtain an application, visit the police department's page on the Village of Schaumburg Web site at villageofschaumburg.com or contact Sgt. John Nebl at (847) 348-7276 or jnebl@ci.schaumburg.il.us.