Hinsdale Citizen Police Academy opens lines of communication with community

Chicago Tribune

3 days ago

The Hinsdale Police Department is accepting applications for its annual fall Citizen Police Academy, which was started in 2001 and has been praised by former participants.
The next session begins Sept. 3 and runs through Nov. 12, with weekly Wednesday meetings scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Hinsdale police Officer Karen Kowal said participants must be at least 18 years old and typically range in age from 28 to 70.
'The course is intended for citizens who reside or work in Hinsdale,' she said. 'However, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, if there are remaining open spots after the application deadline.'
She said the classroom space allows for up to 15 participants each session.
'Smaller classes also help us foster a more personal feel for participants, while interacting with our officers,' Kowal said.
She said the goal of the program is to improve communication with the community, while also gaining citizen input, assistance and support.
'The Citizen Police Academy is a free, educational and informative program, which provides participants a comprehensive view of the challenging, yet crucial, work carried out by the Hinsdale Police Department,' Kowal said.
'This program does not create part-time police officers. It is yet another mechanism for our police department to inform the public about what we do, while also allowing participants to meet many of our police officers on a more personal level.'
Kowal said another goal of the Academy is to provide a broad overview of important topics with opportunities for the class to be interactive and hands-on.
'Each class builds knowledge and insight that is helpful for each of the following weekly classes,' she said.
Information will cover the department's hiring process, procedures and training, the foundation of what provides police powers, the Field Training Program, the Drone Program, the foundation and risks of traffic stops, DUI investigations, the M.E.R.I.T. ('SWAT') team, crime scene processing, the Hinsdale Police Department investigations division and more Kowal said.
'Participants will go hands-on with crime scene investigations, K-9 demonstrations, and traffic stops, to name a few,' she said. 'Also, participants will get the opportunity to experience what it is like to be on patrol in Hinsdale, as they ride in a police car with one of our officers for a four-hour ride-along.'
Kowal said there are generally anywhere from one to three officers presenting during any given class session.
'We aim to allow officers to present on their different areas of interest, while also allowing participants to learn from as many different officers as possible,' she said. 'We also coordinate with several outside agencies to present on other important topics, such as dispatching and K-9 programs.'
Hinsdale resident Bryan Clapacs, 57, has lived in the village for 15 years and participated in the Police Academy in 2023.
'(I had) curiosity and wanted to show support for law enforcement officers that have been unfairly portrayed in the media,' he said, adding that participating gave him a better understanding of what Hinsdale police deal with on a day-to-day basis. His favorite parts of the Academy were getting to know the officers and the ride along.
'I believe that more people should be required to attend this academy and/ or other community outreach programs,' Clapacs said. 'I believe if they attended, more of the public would be more appreciative of our police, and the officers would understand more of the public concerns.'
Another 2023 Academy participant was Daniel Krzywiec, 44, who has lived in Hinsdale for seven years.
'I believe in being an informed and engaged member of the community, and this program gave me the opportunity to see the challenges officers face, the procedures they follow, and how they serve the public,' he said. 'It also helped build mutual respect and communication between citizens and the police, which I think is really important.'
Krzywiec said he got more than he expected out of the Academy.
'I thought it would be mostly lectures, but it was very hands-on,' he said. 'We got to see real scenarios, interact with officers, and even experience some of the tools and training they use.
I gained a much better understanding of how law enforcement operates and the difficult decisions officers have to make. It also helped me build trust with local police and see them as real people doing a tough job.'
Mark Sahlol, 44, has lived in Hinsdale for four years and experienced the Police Academy last year.
'I decided to participate because I wanted to learn more about the police and offer help, after having the proper knowledge, if needed,' he said.
'The experience was better than what I expected. There was a lot of exciting information to learn, and the staff was very friendly and supportive.'
Marzena Powala, 45, has lived in Hinsdale since February 2022 and was another participant in last year's Academy.
'I also saw it as a valuable opportunity to meet new people and, most importantly, to broaden my knowledge of law enforcement and public safety,' Powala said. 'it was the best experience ever.
'One experience I will always remember is the evening spent patrolling our town alongside a police officer. I can confidently assure our residents that we are served by some of the most dedicated and passionate law enforcement professionals in the county.'
Michael Siffermann, 38, is a four-year resident of Hinsdale and participated in the Academy in 2022.
'Many of my family members are in law enforcement, so I was naturally interested in getting a look into local police operations,' he said. 'But it was also a good chance to connect with other members of the community — fellow classmates and the Hinsdale PD officers. It definitely enhanced my understanding of the type of work Hinsdale PD does and deepened my appreciation and respect for our officers.'
Krzywiec said he recommends the Citizens Police Academy to all Hinsdale residents and anyone who wants to understand their community better.
'It breaks down barriers, builds respect, and shows just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep us safe,' he said. 'It's eye-opening and definitely worth the time.'
Applications for the Academy are due by Aug. 15 and may be completed online at www.villageofhinsdale.org/CPA, or by picking up an application in the Police Department lobby, 121 Symonds Drive.