Learn how police officers work at academy

Residents interested in learning more about the Mundelein Police Department and how it operates are invited to participate in Mundelein's Citizens Police Academy.

The next academy starts March 19. Classes will run Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. for 10 weeks, culminating with a graduation ceremony May 21.

Classes will take place at the Mundelein Police Department, 221 N. Lake St. The village has offered this program since 2003.

"We always have an enthusiastic response to our Citizens Police Academy, so that's why we continue to offer the course," Chief Eric Guenther said. "I'm certain that those who have participated in our academy over the years now have a much better understanding of and appreciation for who we are and what we do."

The academy provides an excellent opportunity for people to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the department.

Attending the academy will help participants gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies and laws that guide the department's decisions.

The course is not intended to make citizens into police officers, but to allow them to learn more about police operations. Citizens will become informed as to the actual role of the police and, in return, the police will benefit from the wealth of knowledge the citizens can give about their community.

Participants must live or work in or near the village and be between the ages of 18 and 55.

For more information, call officer Dan Schmidt or officer Sarah Ruffolo at (847) 968-4600.