logo
Hinsdale Citizen Police Academy opens lines of communication with community

Hinsdale Citizen Police Academy opens lines of communication with community

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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash
Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash

Hamilton Spectator

time6 minutes ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The brother of late NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman will undergo a mental competency test before his trial on arson and vandalism charges, a judge ordered Wednesday. Richard Tillman, 44, of San Jose was arrested after he allegedly rammed a car into a post office in a San Jose, California, strip mall around 3 a.m. Sunday, and set it on fire inside the building, which went up in flames, San Jose police said. No injuries were reported. During his arraignment Wednesday, his attorney raised doubts about Tillman's ability to stand trial. The judge ordered a competency test and set bail at $135,000. Tillman, with a long beard and shoulder-length hair and his hands in handcuffs, waved at television cameras as he entered the courtroom. He told the judge he didn't want his court-appointed defense attorney, calling him 'incompetent.' He also said he didn't want to be released on bail. 'I don't need bail. I don't have anywhere to live,' he said. Tillman was booked on suspicion of arson and vandalism. He is also charged with a felony count of possessing combustible materials for the purpose of arson, according to court documents. Tillman allegedly used fire-starter logs and lighter fluid bought from a grocery store to make his car into an incendiary device, the Mercury News reported. Tillman kept livestreaming a video of the fire on YouTube even as he was being interrogated by a San Jose police officer, the newspaper reported. After the crash, his brother Kevin Tillman shared a statement from the family who said they were relieved no one was hurt. 'To be clear, it's no secret that Richard has been battling severe mental health issues for many years,' the family said. 'He has been livestreaming, what I'll call, his altered self on social media for anyone to witness. Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult — or rather, impossible. As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be.' Pat Tillman left the Arizona Cardinals to join the military after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27. His family is from the San Jose area. Kevin Tillman also left his Major League Baseball career with the Anaheim Angels to serve in the military. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash
Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash

Fox Sports

time34 minutes ago

  • Fox Sports

Late NFL star Pat Tillman's brother to undergo mental competency test before trial over crash

Associated Press SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The brother of late NFL star-turned-soldier Pat Tillman will undergo a mental competency test before his trial on arson and vandalism charges, a judge ordered Wednesday. Richard Tillman, 44, of San Jose was arrested after he allegedly rammed a car into a post office in a San Jose, California, strip mall around 3 a.m. Sunday, and set it on fire inside the building, which went up in flames, San Jose police said. No injuries were reported. During his arraignment Wednesday, his attorney raised doubts about Tillman's ability to stand trial. The judge ordered a competency test and set bail at $135,000. Tillman, with a long beard and shoulder-length hair and his hands in handcuffs, waved at television cameras as he entered the courtroom. He told the judge he didn't want his court-appointed defense attorney, calling him 'incompetent.' He also said he didn't want to be released on bail. 'I don't need bail. I don't have anywhere to live,' he said. Tillman was booked on suspicion of arson and vandalism. He is also charged with a felony count of possessing combustible materials for the purpose of arson, according to court documents. Tillman allegedly used fire-starter logs and lighter fluid bought from a grocery store to make his car into an incendiary device, the Mercury News reported. Tillman kept livestreaming a video of the fire on YouTube even as he was being interrogated by a San Jose police officer, the newspaper reported. After the crash, his brother Kevin Tillman shared a statement from the family who said they were relieved no one was hurt. 'To be clear, it's no secret that Richard has been battling severe mental health issues for many years,' the family said. 'He has been livestreaming, what I'll call, his altered self on social media for anyone to witness. Unfortunately, securing the proper care and support for him has proven incredibly difficult — or rather, impossible. As a result, none of this is as shocking as it should be.' Pat Tillman left the Arizona Cardinals to join the military after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27. His family is from the San Jose area. Kevin Tillman also left his Major League Baseball career with the Anaheim Angels to serve in the military. recommended Item 1 of 3

Jussie Smollett Speaks in Netflix Doc ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett?'
Jussie Smollett Speaks in Netflix Doc ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett?'

Yahoo

time8 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Jussie Smollett Speaks in Netflix Doc ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett?'

Jussie Smollett is participating in a forthcoming Netflix documentary about his infamous hoax case. From Raw, the producers of true-crime hits Don't F**k with Cats, Tinder Swindler and the streamer's Trainwreck series, The Truth About Jussie Smollett?, which is coming to the streamer on Aug. 22, is described as 'a shocking true story of an allegedly fake story that some now say might just be a true story.' More from The Hollywood Reporter Netflix Greenlights K-Pop Drama 'Variety' Starring Son Ye-jin and Jo Yu-ri Netflix Results Draw Share Price Target Hikes, Muted Stock Reaction as Focus Turns to Second Half of Year Netflix's Most Viewed Series for 2025's First Half Is ... Not 'Squid Game' Tom Sheahan and Tim Wardle are executive producers. Along with the Smollett sitdown, the 90-minute doc features interviews with police officials, lawyers, journalists and investigators who claim to have uncovered new evidence about the case and that 'with Jussie himself, this compelling documentary invites the audience to decide for themselves who is telling The Truth About Jussie Smollett?' Director Gagan Rehill said in a statement, 'This story is a thrilling ride, and we were lucky enough to have access to the key players. I wanted this documentary to balance their competing narratives and to also use their compelling, colorful testimonies to thread the light and shade of the story through the film. But much more than that, I wanted this film to speak to the particular moment of rapid cultural change when this takes place in 2019; when, as a society, we were becoming more combative, more polarized, more divergent over our shared reality — when we began to lack a common singular Truth.' Smollett, who broke out on Fox's Empire, was famously accused of faking a homophobic attack in Chicago in 2019. He was found guilty in December 2021 by a jury for felony disorderly conduct for falsely reporting to police that he was the victim of a hate crime. He served six days of a five-month jail sentence in 2022 before he was released pending an appeal. In November 2024, he then had his conviction overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court, with a judge ruling that a second prosecution after the case had already been resolved was a violation of his right to due process. Smollett has maintained his innocence in interviews, as he returned to the film industry. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Studio': 30 Famous Faces Who Play (a Version of) Themselves in the Hollywood-Based Series 22 of the Most Shocking Character Deaths in Television History A 'Star Wars' Timeline: All the Movies and TV Shows in the Franchise Solve the daily Crossword

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store