Before becoming a sworn officer, recruits must successfully complete the Illinois Basic Law Enforcement Academy, which is approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB).

• The academy program is 16 weeks long (640+ hours).

• Training covers criminal law, report writing, traffic enforcement, firearms, defensive tactics, cultural competency, and community policing.

• Recruits must pass both written and practical exams to graduate.

Upon graduation, new officers begin a field training program with experienced officers before being assigned to solo patrol.

After graduating from the academy, new officers enter the Field Training Program. This is a critical phase where recruits apply what they learned in the classroom to real-world policing under the guidance of experienced officers.

• The program typically lasts 16-20 weeks.

• New officers are paired with a Field Training Officer (FTO) who evaluates and mentors them through various phases of training.

• Officers are gradually given more responsibility, starting with observation and progressing to handling calls independently while under supervision.

• Performance is closely monitored to ensure recruits demonstrate the skills, judgment, and professionalism required to serve on their own.

Only after successfully completing this program are officers cleared for solo patrol duty.

Annual Mandate Training Requirements

• Crisis Intervention Training
• Emergency Medical Response Training and certification
• Law Updates
• Officer Wellness and Mental Health
• Firearms Restraining Order Act
• Firearms Qualification

3-Year Mandate Training Requirements

• Constitutional and Proper Use of Law Enforcement Authority
• Cultural Competency - including implicit bias and racial & ethnic sensitivity
• Civil Rights
• Human Rights
• Procedural Justice
• Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
• Sexual Assault /Trauma Informed Response
• Sexual Assault/Abuse Investigator Training

3-Year Use of Force Mandate Training Requirements

• At least 6 hours of instruction on use of force techniques, including the use of de-escalation techniques to prevent or reduce the need for force whenever safe and feasible or when force must be used, to use force that is objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportional under the totality of the circumstances; and to ensure appropriate supervision and accountability
• At least 6 hours of training focused on high-risk traffic stops
• Specific training on officer safety techniques, including cover, concealment, and time
• Specific training on the law concerning stops, searches and use of force under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution

5-year Mandate Training Requirement

• Psychology of Domestic Violence 

Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU)

Officers in the Crisis Negotiation Unit receive specialized training to handle high-stress and potentially dangerous situations where communication is key. Key areas of focus include: Verbal De-escalation Techniques, Hostage and Barricade Situations, Behavioral and Psychological Assessment, Collaboration with Tactical Units, Legal and Ethical Standards, Scenario-Based Training. Through this training, CNU officers are prepared to safely resolve critical incidents, protect the community, and support both victims and subjects in crisis.

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)

Our SWAT officers undergo rigorous training to handle high-risk situations such as armed subjects, barricaded subjects, hostage rescues, and warrant service. Training emphasizes tactics, teamwork, and precision to resolve dangerous incidents safely.

Drone Unit (UAS)

Our Drone Unit officers are trained and certified in the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to assist with search and rescue, traffic or crash reconstruction, crime scene documentation, and large-scale event monitoring. In addition to technical skills, officers are trained to operate drones with full respect for the Constitution and the rights of individuals, ensuring that all aerial operations balance public safety with privacy and civil liberties.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

CSI officers receive specialized training in evidence collection, fingerprinting, photography, and forensic documentation. This advanced CSI training enables our officers to provide critical support to investigations, assist detectives, and ensure that every case is handled professionally and accurately.

Advanced Interview and Interrogation

Selected officers complete advanced training in communication, interview techniques, and interrogation strategies to obtain accurate, lawful, and reliable information during investigations.

High-Risk Traffic Stops

All officers receive ongoing training in conducting felony or high-risk traffic stops. This includes tactics for approaching armed or dangerous suspects while prioritizing officer and public safety.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

School Resource Officers (SROs) receive specialized training to serve as law enforcement professionals, mentors, and safety resources within local schools. This training equips officers with the skills needed to address the unique challenges of the educational environment while building positive relationships with students, staff, and families.

Specialized Investigations

Detectives and investigators are trained in areas such as narcotics, gangs, financial crimes, and violent crimes. This training allows them to conduct in-depth investigations, manage complex cases, and coordinate with state and federal agencies.

Computer Forensics

As technology evolves, so does crime. Officers trained in computer and digital forensics can recover and analyze electronic evidence from computers, mobile devices, and online platforms, which is often vital in modern investigations.