Naperville Police Accepting Applications for Spring 2025 Citizen Police Academy

The Naperville Police Department is now accepting applications for a 10-week Citizen Police Academy (CPA) beginning on March 5. Applications are due by Friday, Jan. 31.

Naperville’s Citizen Police Academy gives citizens insight into the inner workings of police operations, practices and objectives. Instruction consists of classroom lectures, interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations focusing on various aspects of police work, including patrol, investigations, forensics, and special response, among others.

The spring course begins March 5 and will meet every Wednesday night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Ave., through May 7.

“Participants are usually surprised by how much they don’t know about our department, the services we provide, and what actually goes into serving and protecting a community,” said Police Chief Jason Arres. “We pull back the curtain and we explain what we do, how we do it, and even let participants try their hands at it. It’s very eye-opening for people, and I have yet to hear someone say they didn’t enjoy the experience.”

Course content and activities dictate that class size is limited to 30 participants. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must either reside or work in the City of Naperville. Applications are considered in the order they are received. A criminal background check is conducted on each applicant.

Interested candidates should print and complete the Citizen Police Academy application and waiver found at www.naperville.il.us/cpa and return the signed documents no later than Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 to Jim Pacetti by email at PacettiJ@naperville.il.us, at fax number (630) 305-7004, or through the mail or in person at the Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.