Champaign Police Training Institute aims to improve process, involve community

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — For the Police Training Institute in Champaign, they have a routine cemented in an almost 70-year tradition. Now, they’re looking to make some changes.

Since 1955, the Police Training Institute on the University of Illinois’ campus has trained officers from all over the state, focusing not only on physical fitness and tactical skills but also on legal, ethical, and psychological factors of policing.

“They are on a very tight 16-week training schedule,” Assistant Director Tod Myers said.

He said the training starts as early as 5:50 in the morning. They’ve adapted to the changing world — and now, so does the building. They are planning to consolidate the three training locations into one centralized location.

“The more important aspect of this is we’re changing the delivery of our training, because if you remember when I went through, it was all PowerPoints. So, ask yourself, how long do you pay attention on a four-hour PowerPoint?” Myers said. “We caught onto that early on. So, we’ve incorporated some pre-reading that they’ll need to do. They come to class and instead of me reading from a PowerPoint, we’re going to have a group discussion about it.”

The institute is teamed up with the 2024 Community Police Academy and other law enforcement agencies to provide behind-the-scenes insight into police operations, investigations, crime prevention, and specialized units.

People will be able to talk with their local agency. Director Joe Gallo said they’ll also be able to visit the dispatch center and even their shooting training range.

“The community members will be able to experience law blocks, DUI blocks, use of force control and rest tactics, cover different items or issues that we would address in the classroom with the recruits,” he said.

“As you walk through the hallways, you just kind of get a sense of feeling how many people have been here, how many people have walked through these walls,” Myers continued. “I mean, myself and Director Gallo began our career sitting in the very chairs that these recruits did.”

The directors said it’s important to include the communities they serve, and the training will always remain committed to the traditions that have made this institute what it is today.

The Community Police Academy will start Wednesday, Sept. 11 and will run through Nov. 6.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.