Community Training Observation Days

The Chicago Police Department is excited to offer a unique opportunity for Chicagoans to get a first-hand understanding of the recruit training for sworn officers through an innovative new program. By participating in this program, residents will experience a day in the life of a recruit officer. Each of these topics are a part of the 2026 recruit training for sworn officers. This Community Training Observation Days program is designed to foster transparency, strengthen police-community relationships, and provide valuable insight into the training standards that drive professional and accountable policing in our city.

This program is designed with clear guidelines to ensure participants' safety in a productive learning environment. Participants must adhere to the Training Center's protocols, which include a no-weapons policy, screening for weapons prior to participation in a scenario, and a dress requirement of long pants and closed-toe footwear. This structured Community Training Observation Days program is a part of our broader effort to engage residents in meaningful ways. The feedback gained from this program will help us improve our service to and enhance our collaboration with the community.

Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Session 1: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Session 2: 12:30PM - 4:30PM

Participants may choose from three training blocks:
Block A - Reality Based Training
Block A will begin with a short lecture regarding Reality Based Training.  After being familiarized with the concepts of Reality Based Training, participants will split into one of three groups to participate in Reality Based Training.  Each participant will be able to go through two different Reality Based Training modules. 

Block B - Law/Firearms/Gym
Block B explores the legal foundations of policing with a course of Law Instruction that will cover Use of Force and 4th Amendment issues.  Further included in Block B will be Gym Demonstrations including opportunities for participation from the audience and a tour and overview of the Academy Range. 

Block C - SFST/Basic Law Enforcement Curriculum
Block C introduces Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to community members who will participate in a lecture and then learn how to administer SFSTs.  The remainder of the time in Block C will be filled with examples of the basic coursework recruits take as a part of the Basic Law Enforcement Curriculum.