and Fire Academy
Class 2024-01: The next class will begin in March 2024. Check back for more information in mid-December 2023.
What is the Citizens Police and Fire Academy?
Are you interested in getting an up-close look at what police and firefighters do? The Citizens Police and Fire Academy is a 12-week program, one block of instruction per week, designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the Morton Grove Police and Fire Departments and a working knowledge of what law enforcement and firefighting is all about. The academy classes are held once a week, every Tuesday, and are approximately 2 hours in duration. The classes will be held at the Morton Grove Village Hall from approximately 6:30 pm-8:30 pm and each class will be limited to 20 students, so register early. There is no cost for residents to participate.
Each class will provide an overview of various areas of law enforcement or firefighting. Classes will be given on the following topics:
- History of The Morton Grove Police Department
- Qualifications/hiring process
- Communications
- Laws of arrest, search, and Seizure
- Patrol Functions, DUI enforcement
- Traffic enforcement
- Investigations
- Gang/Drug Information
- Evidence processing
- Optional Ride-a-long
- Crime Prevention
- Gun Laws/Safety, shooting practical
- Information on special units (N.I.P.A.S., Mobil Field Force unit)
- Fire
- Paramedics
Several demonstrations will take place during the academy, in which attendees will be allowed to participate.
The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony and each participant will receive a certificate of completion.
Why Participate?
The Morton Grove Police and Fire Departments adhere to the philosophy of community outreach and are committed to developing partnerships with the citizens of the Village. The Citizens Police and Fire Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to develop direct lines of communication with the Police and Fire Department. The citizens participating in the academy will have a working knowledge of the Morton Grove Police Department and The Morton Grove Fire Department and their functions. The hope is that the instruction will strengthen police/fire community rapport through an educational process, increase understanding of police/fire practices and procedures, and dispose of misconceptions. The police and fire department in turn, become more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves.
Who Can Attend?
Participants must be at least 18 years of age and reside or work in the Village of Morton Grove. They must be of good moral character with no felony convictions. There will be a criminal history review conducted on each applicant prior to acceptance into the academy. An application for the academy must be completed and signed along with a waiver of liability. You will be notified when you are accepted into the Citizens Police and Fire Academy.
What the Academy is NOT
The Citizens Police and Fire Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers or firefighters. The participation and completion of the academy is designed to develop partnerships with the community. Graduating from the academy does not grant police or fire authority to participants.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all sessions in order to graduate. We understand that emergencies do occur. If you are unable to attend a session, please call Officer Jurasz or Officer Lietz, 847-470-5200. More than two absences and you will not be allowed to graduate. Out of courtesy to the instructor(s) and your fellow students, please arrive on time.
To Apply to the Citizens Academy
If you are interested in applying for the Citizens Police and Fire Academy, you can pick up an application at the Morton Grove Police Department, email us, or you can click here to access the online application. Please return all applications to the Morton Grove Police Department to Officer Jurasz or Officer Lietz by February 28th, 2023. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the Morton Grove Citizens Police and Fire Academy approximately one week prior to the class starting.
For any questions or further information please feel free to contact our Community Liaison Officers, Officer Jurasz (jjurasz@mortongroveil.org) or Officer Lietz (glietz@mortongroveil.org) at 847-470-5200.