Alexandrians, you are invited to get to know your Police Department by joining the 51st Session of the Alexandria Police Department’s Community Police Academy, September 11 – November 13, 2024. The Alexandria Community Police Academy provides an opportunity for residents to learn about various aspects of the Police Department, such as administrative philosophy, internal policies and the guiding principles of law and ethical conduct governing the delivery of police services. Classes are a combination of lecture and interactive activities. Class topics will include patrol operations, crime prevention, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations and the Special Operations Team. 

The academy will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. at the Police Department Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, in the Community Room, located on the 1st floor. Classes begin on September 11, 2024 and will end with a formal graduation ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

The program is offered free of charge, however as a condition of participating in the Community Police Academy, each participant will be asked to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per year post graduation. This would involve events such as assisting with parades, road races, National Night Out, and more.

Class size is limited to twenty-five participants. Due to the popularity of the class, we also ask participants to commit to attending all 9 sessions.  Participants of the Community Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City of Alexandria. In addition, Criminal History checks will be conducted on all applicants for final approval of acceptance.

The curriculum covers the core elements which are essential for participants to gain a greater understanding of police operations. As a result of their participation, residents can make more informed judgments about the Alexandria Police Department and its daily operations. The Police Department is simultaneously able to acquire a greater understanding of the views and concerns of the community through an enhanced relationship with the public.

For more information on the Community Police Academy or to apply, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/police-department/community-police-academy or e-mail the Volunteer Office at mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov. The deadline for registrations is August 19, 2024.

To see other academies are offered by the city, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/academies.