Carbondale Alerts
Carbondale Police Press Release - Fall 2026 Citizen's Police Academy
NEWS RELEASE
City of Carbondale, Illinois
August 10, 2026
For Immediate Release
CARBONDALE – The Carbondale Police Department is taking applications for the Citizens’ Police Academy. The purpose of the Citizens’ Police Academy (CPA) is to develop positive relations and a better understanding and communication between the police and the community through education. The goal is to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing public opinions about police practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. The citizens will also have an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the police.
The Basic Academy will focus on an overview of police department divisions, patrol tactics and traffic stops, introduction to investigations and crime scenes. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following schedule:
Class#1: September 17th
Class #2: October 1st
Class #3: October 15th
Class #4: October 29th
Class #5: November 12th
Anyone is welcome to apply for the free academy. Every applicant will undergo a background check. Our goal is to increase the knowledge of each student on “who, what, when, why, and how” the Carbondale Police Department operates. For more information about the academy or to complete a secure online form, please follow this link:
https://www.explorecarbondale.com/206/Citizens-Police-Academy
Applications can also be picked up in person at the Carbondale Police Department located at 501 South Washington Street. Anyone with questions about the academy can also contact Randy Mathis at rmathis@carbondaleil.gov or at 457-3200 ext. 402. Applications need to be completed and turned in by Monday, September 14th, 2026, by 4:00 p.m.
Social Media Post
Citizens' Police Academy – Now Accepting Applications!
Want to learn how the Carbondale Police Department works and build stronger connections with your community? Join our FREE Citizens' Police Academy!
Classes: Thursdays, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
• Sept. 17
• Oct. 1
• Oct. 15
• Oct. 29
• Nov. 12
Learn about patrol operations, traffic stops, investigations, crime scenes, and more while meeting the officers who serve our community.
Open to everyone (background check required)
Application deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Apply online or learn more at: https://www.explorecarbondale.com/206/Citizens-Police-Academy
Questions? Contact Randy Mathis at rmathis@carbondaleil.gov or 618-457-3200 ext. 402.
The mission of the Carbondale Police Department is to work in partnership with our community to preserve life, protect human rights, protect property and improve quality of life by providing police service to all in a fair, sensitive, and professional manner.