Community Training Observation Days

The Chicago Police Department is excited to offer Chicago residents a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience into the annual in-service training provided to sworn officers through an innovative new program. Participants will experience the same training topics officers receive as part of the 2026 in-service training program. Each topic included in this program is part of the 2026 in-service training curriculum 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, October 03rd, 2026
Session 1: 8:00AM - 12:00PM
Session 2: 12:30PM - 4:30PM

Participants may choose from three training blocks:
Block A - Crowd Management Course
The 2026 Crowd Management course prepares the Department’s sworn members to manage public order and safety situations safely, effectively, and constitutionally while strengthening psychological resilience, emotional well-being, and operational effectiveness. Using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic instruction, the course goal is for each student to demonstrate essential technical and tactical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills through lectures, drills, and scenarios.

Block B - Impartial & Community Policing Course
The 2026 Impartial Community Policing course prepares the Department’s sworn members to respond confidently, compassionately, and effectively to incidents involving gender-based violence, individuals with disabilities, Active Bystander principles, and CPR. The course goal is for each student to demonstrate increased awareness, trauma-informed communication skills, and knowledge of current policies and best practices that protect vulnerable community members.

Block C - Active Threat Integrated Response Course
The 2026 Active Threat Integrated Response course prepares the Department’s sworn members to respond competently, confidently, and effectively to active-threat incidents. Through instruction and practical exercises, the course goal is for each student to demonstrate sound decision-making and application of the Department’s guiding principles, including de-escalation, force mitigation, procedural justice, impartial and community policing, wellness, leadership, and the duty to intervene.