Student Police Academy

The City of Carbondale Police Department, in partnership with Carbondale Community High School District No. 165, offers the Student Police Academy for Carbondale Community High School Students who want to get a first-hand look at the work of a City of Carbondale Police Officer. The Student Police Academy is a seven session, one-hour per week course, during which instructors from the City of Carbondale Police Department present a wide variety of topics on law enforcement in Carbondale, such as police operations, traffic crashes and enforcement, alcohol and drug use, peer pressure and crime scene processing.

The purpose of the Student Police Academy is to develop positive relationships, in an informal classroom setting, between the officers and the students through education. Students gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments, concerns and ideas regarding solutions. Students who may be interested in a law enforcement career have the opportunity to learn more about the profession to assist them with their career choice. The Academy also highlights the Community Service Officer position at the City of Carbondale Police Department.

Graduations are important events, which include City government and community member speakers, as well as diplomas, t-shirts and a reception following the event. Graduations are attended by police and school district representatives, City officials, as well as the families of the graduates.

The City of Carbondale Police Department Student Police Academy is offered during the Spring Semester Forensic Science class at Carbondale Community High School.

If you would like more information regarding this program please contact Community Resource Officer Randy Mathis at (618) 457-3200, ext. 428 or email: rmathis@ci.carbondale.il.us.