CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - If you can't get enough "Law and Order" and "NYPD Blue," you're the perfect participant for the Champaign County Citizen Police Academy.
The academy, which is free and open to the public, provides people with a glimpse into the workings of their local police agency. The academy's main function is to improve police-community interaction and communication through education.
The 12-week course begins Sept. 4 and meets Thursdays through Nov. 20 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Police Training Institute, 1004 S. Fourth St., Champaign.
Topics to be covered include crime prevention and community-based policing, drugs, alcohol abuse and enforcement, police use of force, and firearms safety. Participants also will have the opportunity to tour the Champaign County Jail and METCAD and ride with a local patrol officer.
To apply, contact Lois Welling at 244-9589 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or e-mail lwelling@illinois.edu.