Local Police, Will County Sheriff Lead Citizens Police Academy 2025

WILL COUNTY — Local police from Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, and Manhattan are again teaming up with the Will County Sheriff's Department in a 10-session citizens police academy this spring.

Open to the public, the program is free and designed to shed light on duties of the police, criminal justice system, detention facility, and even the coroner's office, the Will County Sheriff's Department said. The academy will meet every Thursday evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m., from March 20 through May 22.

The instructors are officers from the Will County Sheriff's Office, as well as New Lenox, Frankfort, Manhattan, and Mokena police departments.

Residents are encouraged to sign up and learn more about what police do to protect their community, and see the difference between TV shows and reality. Highlights will include traffic stops, K-9 demonstrations, a look at the criminal justice system, crime scene processing, and tours of the jail and coroner's office. Participants must be at least 18 years old and must pass a background check.

All classes will be held at the Will County Sheriff’s Office, 16911 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet. Spaces fill up fast; residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information and applications, contact:

• Will County Sheriff
  • Sgt. Steve Formenti, (815)774-6262
• Frankfort Police
  • Officer Michael Pazera: (815)469-9435
• Mokena Police
  • Officer Tom Czarnecki: (708)479-3912
• Manhattan Police
  • Sgt. Mike Holford: (815)418-2127
• New Lenox Police
  • Officer Kristine Kioltyka: (815)462-6145

Applications can be submitted in written form, or online.

• Officer Kristine Kioltyka (kkioltyka@newlenox.net)
• Sergeant Steven Formenti (sformenti@willcosheriff.org)
• Officer Michael Pazera(mpazera@frankfortil.org)
• Sergeant Mike Holford (mholford@villageofmanhattan.org)
• Officer Tom Czarnecki (tczarnecki@mokena.com)

Or you can mail the completed application to: