Community Outreach
Community Police Academy
The Community Police Academy is about mutual understanding and forming relationships around our common goal of keeping everyone safe.
The Division of Public Safety is now partnering with the University of Illinois Police Training Institute and area police departments to bring you the Community Police Academy.
The Community Police Academy provides a behind-the-scenes experience to learn about police operations, investigations, crime prevention, and specialized units. It is an opportunity for you to participate in hands-on learning, demonstrations, and presentations from current police officers and others involved in the criminal justice system.
The Community Police Academy is a free 10-week course involving one three-hour class per week. It is open to everyone with sponsorship from a local police department. Space is limited. U. of I. students, faculty and staff are given preference when registering through the University of Illinois Police Department.
Fall 2026 Dates
Wednesday, September 9 – Wednesday, November 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
September 9
September 16
September 23
September 23
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 11
Classes will be conducted at several locations, including the Police Training Institute (PTI), Champaign Police Department, Stock Pavilion, the firearms range, and Willard Airport. Participants will receive reporting instructions, maps, and a detailed schedule after their sponsoring agency selects them and they register through PTI.