What are the best police academies in Illinois?
If you’re looking to become an officer in the Illinois State Police, there are actually a good number of police training academies in Illinois to start your training.
In this article, we have compiled ten of the best of these training centers.
Some of them were selected because they offer some of the most comprehensive and competitive police training programs available in Illinois today, so read up and see which one would be best for you!
How much does the police academy cost in Illinois?
The cost of police academy training depends on a number of factors. In Illinois, for example, some state colleges and universities provide their own academy programs at no cost to participants.
However, if you’re looking for an accelerated program that allows you to start working as a police officer as soon as possible, out-of-state academies can be more affordable.
How do you become a certified police officer in Illinois?
First, you should think about how much money you want to make. The average police officer’s salary is $60,000 per year.
There are also lots of different qualifications you will need to go through before making $60k.
For example, you will have to get accepted into a police academy and complete a training program there.
We recommend that you look into some different police schools in Illinois before actually registering for one.
What are the best Police Academies in Illinois?
If you are new to law enforcement, you might be having a hard time selecting a good police academy, this list below should put you through.
- South-Western Illinois Police Academy (SWIC Academy)
- Illinois State Police Academy
- Suburban Law enforcement Academy
- Northwest Police Academy
- University of Illinois Police Training Institute
- Chicago Police Training Division
- Tri-River Police Training
- Springfield Police Academy
- Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center
- MTTU IV- Mobile Team Training Unit
SWIC Police Academy: South-Western Illinois Police Academy
SWIC Police Academy is one of the great police academies in Illinois to get training.
You can find this institution at SWIC Southwestern Illinois College, the school has lots of field opportunities and is a very stable program.
The school uses practical exercises and scenarios to test your character, ethics, and judgment during training.
As one of the best police training academies in Illinois, you will get hands-on training with actual scenarios that you can use immediately once you graduate from school.
The curriculum at SWIC includes:
- Use of Force
- Patrol Procedures
- Ethics
- Community Oriented Policing
- Criminal Investigations Methods
- Problem Solving/Critical Thinking Strategies
- Physical Training/Exercise/Aerobic Conditioning
Contact details:
Address: information Sciences Building, 2500 Carlyle Ave, Belleville, IL 62221, United States
Phone: +1 618-222-5396
OFFICIAL LINK
Illinois State Police Academy
The Illinois State Police Academy is one of the top police academies in Illinois and is located at 3700 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL 62712.
The academy conducts an eight-week course and is only available to those who are already employed as police officers.
Applicants must also have at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience before they can enroll.
In addition to a solid working knowledge of public safety, applicants should be physically fit and able to meet specific criteria, including excellent vision and hearing.
Courses run from Monday through Friday with two optional weeks on a part-time basis for candidates who need more time to finish training.
If you meet all of these requirements but don’t know if you’re ready for a new challenge, apply anyway; it might be just what you need!
Contact details:
Address: 3700 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL 62712, United States
Phone: +1 217-786-6902
OFFICIAL LINK
Suburban Law enforcement Academy
The Suburban Law Enforcement Academy is one of the best police academies in Illinois that focuses on providing top-notch law enforcement training for regional, national, and international developments.
It helps law enforcement agencies in northern Illinois. The academy has been accredited by ILEETA (Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board).
Contact details:
Address: College of Dupage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, United States
Phone: +1 630-942-2677
OFFICIAL LINK
Northwest Police Academy
The Northwest Police Academy (NWPA) is one of the famous police training academies in Illinois and was established in 1960 to provide basic training needed to recruit law enforcement officers in the Northwest suburbs.
The curriculum includes extensive physical training and simulated exercises based on real-world situations.
This intense program covers a wide range of topics including:
- Defensive tactics
- First aid and emergency response procedures
- Firearms usage and qualifications
- Criminal law and investigation.
There are also opportunities for cadets to train with other agencies such as SWAT teams and emergency vehicles.
In total there are over 100 hours of training dedicated to emergency vehicle operations alone!
When you successfully complete your time at Northwest Police Academy you’ll be fully prepared for anything that comes your way during your career as a police officer.
Contact details:
Address: Cotillion Banquets, 360 S Creekside Dr, Palatine, IL 60074, United States
Phone: +1 847-934-5500
OFFICIAL LINK
University of Illinois Police Training Institute
The University of Illinois Police Training Institute is one of the police training academies in Illinois.
It is located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and can help you prepare for a career as a police officer, whether it’s your first job or your next step up.
All coursework is taught by current and former members of law enforcement who want to share their knowledge and expertise with students like you.
Among its courses are topics like:
- Criminal justice
- Physical education
- Self-defense techniques
- Emergency medicine, and
- Leadership strategies.
You’ll learn real-world information you can use on the job while building valuable skills and experiences that will shape your future.
Contact details:
Address: 1004 S 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
Phone: +1 217-333-2337
OFFICIAL LINK
Chicago Police Training Division
The Chicago Police Training Division was formed in 2004 and serves as an academy for members of the Chicago Police Department.
The program provides over 900 hours of basic training to all CPD recruits to pass the Illinois State Peace Officer’s Certification Exam.
The CPDT training division is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and training all police officers for service within city limits.
Some of the things you’ll learn from the program include:
- Use of firearms
- Control tactics
- Physical training
- Classroom training, and
- Scenario-based training.
Enrollment at each academy varies but must be completed before completion at their respective departments after graduation.
Contact details:
Address: 1300 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
Phone: +1 312-746-8310
OFFICIAL LINK
Tri-River Police Training
The Tri-River Police Training Region is one of the police training academies in Illinois, it is also referred to as Mobile Team Unit 16 (MTU16).
Established to give police cadets an advantage over other applicants, Tri-River Police Training provides intensive, hands-on training that prepares students for entry-level jobs at law enforcement agencies across Illinois.
Tri-River has a distinguished reputation, with more than 20 years of experience and a track record of successful alumni.
Alumni who have completed Tri-River’s police academy program include many officers currently working throughout metropolitan Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
If you’re looking for quality training in IL, look no further.
Contact details:
Address: 14300 Coil Plus Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544, United States
Phone: +1 815-630-5212
OFFICIAL LINK
Springfield Police Academy
Springfield Police Academy is one of many police academies in Illinois that offers 30 hours of instruction over a ten-week period.
The academy traditionally occurs in the fall but is subject to an additional class in the spring
At Springfield Police Academy, we offer our students thorough training on a wide range of courses including:
- SPD policies
- Organizational structure
- Investigative processes, and
- Police tactics.
Next time you’re looking for a dependable police academy be sure to check out Springfield Police Academy! Click here to find out more about what they have to offer today!
Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center
Located in Decatur, IL and established in 2002, Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center is home to more than 40 law enforcement agencies. Their mission is to provide quality training for all law enforcement officials. Every year they host a wide range of events including college classes, incident command workshops, police academies, special interest courses and certification programs. The center recently opened a shooting range near Decatur that is available for use by trainees as well as police officers from surrounding areas. Courses are taught by professionals who have experience working with local and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Macon County and nearby towns.
MTTU IV- Mobile Team Training Unit
The Mobile Team Training Unit (MTTU) is a state-of-the-art training unit that was developed to support and enhance all types of training conducted by local law enforcement agencies.
The MTTU is one of the police training academies in Illinois that provides an opportunity for agencies to complete a full scenario training exercise with additional manpower, personnel, equipment, and vehicles.
This type of scenario training is referred to as Force on Force Training.
Agencies who request MTTU services are required to commit at least one officer and one supervisor per shift,
These resources work together under an experienced Police trainer/instructor from another agency who conducts day-to-day operations of each exercise.
Contact details:
Address: 1033 7th St #102, East Moline, IL 61244, United States
Phone: +1 309-755-3271
OFFICIAL LINK
Frequently asked questions
What are the ranks in the Illinois State Police?
In order from lowest to highest, they are police recruit, trooper recruit, police officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. The highest ranks are colonel and superintendent.
How old do you have to be to be a cop in Illinois?
The age to be a police officer in Illinois is usually 21 years of age.
In order to be a state trooper, an individual must be at least 20 and have completed a two-year degree or 60 semester hours.
However, there are some law enforcement agencies that require employees to obtain their bachelor’s degree before they can apply for a job.
Officers are required to keep their education up-to-date by taking classes and graduating from accredited schools or programs while employed with a department.
How much does the Illinois police make?
The starting salary for a police officer in Illinois is around $56,000, according to Salary Expert.
After that, salaries vary depending on where you work and how long you’ve been working.
Cops can make as much as $95,000 and up.
Police officers have access to great health care benefits and pensions so they can retire comfortably after 20 or 30 years of service.
Do you get paid while in the police academy in Illinois?
No. Police academies are not free and you do not get paid while going through them.
How long is the police academy in Illinois?
The time it takes to complete a basic police academy in Illinois will vary depending on which institute you choose to attend.
At an average of nine months, an associate’s degree program is likely to be shorter than a two-year bachelor’s degree.
And if you plan on attending college online and taking night classes, it can be completed even faster!
It all depends on how fast you want to get started on your career as a law enforcement officer.
Conclusion
Overall, getting into one of these police academies may be tough, but it’s worth it. The job market is booming and you’ll be hired before you know it.
If you have to go through a police academy, then your best bet would be to get into one of these ten best police academies in Illinois. Good luck!
Reference
- Academy Intent – Illinois State Police
- Suburban Law Enforcement Academy
- Illinois Police Academy Requirements
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