The Alexandria Community Police Academy provides an opportunity for Alexandria residents and visitors to learn various aspects of policing.  This includes administrative philosophies, internal policies, and the guiding principles of law and ethical conduct governing the delivery of police services. Sessions are a combination of lectures and interactive activities. Class topics include patrol operations, gangs, crime prevention, crime scene investigations, criminal investigations, and more.

Spring Class is filled, please check back for Fall 2023 Dates

WHEN: Classes begin on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 and will end with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.  Sessions are on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m.to 9:00 p.m.  

WHERE: Police Department Headquarters in the Community Room at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304 

WHAT: The curriculum covers the core elements that 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.

The program is offered FREE of charge.  Participants must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City. Criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants for final approval of acceptance. For more information, email the Volunteer Office at  mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov

Half-Day Alexandria Community Police Academy

Get to know the Alexandria Police Department (APD) in an abbreviated half-day session. Thanks to the popularity of our 10 week Community Police Academy, APD is offering a half-day classes during the winter and summer months. This academy allows residents and community members to learn about various aspects of the Police Department during the winter months. 

WHEN:   Please check back for future dates

WHERE: Police Department Headquarters in the Community Room at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304

WHAT: Topics will include patrol operations, use of force policies, the K9 Unit, Special Operations Team, crime scene investigation and criminal investigations.

The program is offered FREE of charge.  Participants of must be at least 18 years of age and live or work in the City. Criminal History checks will be conducted on all applicants for final approval of acceptance. For more information, email the Volunteer Office at  mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov

8:30 am to 9 am - registration and meet/greet instructors

9 am to 10 am - Chief/Overview of Department/Patrol Bureau

10 am to 11 am - Use of Force/ Internal Investigations/Firearms Training Simulator

11 am to 12 noon - K9 Unit/Special Operations Demonstrations

12 noon to 1 pm - Crime Scene Investigations and Criminal Investigations Tour 

Considering a career in law enforcement?  This class, meeting every Thursday for 12 weeks, will help you gain a better understanding of your Alexandria Police Department (APD).  The members of the APD will share their knowledge and experience with you through presentations, demonstrations, displays and hands-on activities.    

WHEN: Please check back for future dates. 

WHERE: Police Department Headquarters in the Community Room at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304  

The program is offered FREE of charge.  Participants of must be at 14 to 18 years of age and prefer to live or attend school in the City. Applicants must have clean criminal history.  For more information, email Officer Dylan Ignacio at   dylan.ignacio@alexandriava.gov 

• Week 1– Introduction, Tour
• Week 2 - Patrol/Community Outreach Division
• Week 3 - K9
• Week 4 - DUI Enforcement/Motor Unit
• Week 5 - Vice Narcotics
• Week 6 - Crime Scene Investigations
• Week 7 - Criminal Investigations Section/Gangs
• Week 8  - ADC Tour
• Week 9 - Commonwealth Attorney/Magistrate
• Week 10 - Polygraph/Hostage Negotiations
• Week 11 - Special Operations Team/TAC
• Week 12 - Graduation