Virginia Beach Citizens’ Police Academy Announces Its 38th Session

The academy will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies and laws that guide the department's decisions. Citizens will hear the accounts and experiences of a wide variety of police personnel and will also engage in hands-on activities. 

This class is not intended to make citizens into police officers, but to allow citizens to learn more about police operations. Citizens will become informed as to the role of the police and, in return, the police will benefit from the wealth of knowledge that citizens can give about their community. A police ride-along opportunity will be offered during the session for observation of an officer’s daily duties.

Sponsored by the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, the 38^th session will run from Sept. 2 through Dec. 9, with classes every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Training Academy, 411 Integrity Way. Applicants can apply online at http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/police/opsdiv/Pages/Virginia-Beach-Citizens-Police-Academy.aspx. Applicants will be contacted by the academy coordinator.

Completed applications for this session must be received at the Crime Prevention Office by Friday, Aug. 15. There is no cost to attend the class. Seating is limited.

Topics covered in the academy include:

• Recruitment, Selection and Training

• Crime Prevention Programs

• A Day in the Life of a Patrol Officer

• Crisis Intervention Team

• Firearms Safety and Range Operations

• Creeds Training Facility Tour

• Deadly Force Encounters

• Criminal Investigations

• Forensics

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Basic Criminal Law

• Tour of the Correctional Center

• Animal Control and Adoption Center Tour         

• Special Investigations (narcotics, vice and gangs)

• Media Relations

• Law Enforcement Technology

• History of Law Enforcement

• K9, SWAT, Bomb Squad and Helicopter Unit