For Immediate Release: July 19, 2022

Alexandria, VA --The Alexandria Police Department is now accepting applications for its 47th Session of the Community Police Academy.

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. 

The academy will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. at APD’s Headquarters located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue in the Community Room.  Classes begin on September 7, 2022, and will end with a graduation ceremony on November 9, 2022.

The program is offered free of charge, however as a condition of participating, each participant is asked to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours per year post-graduation.  This would involve assisting with parades, road races, or community events.

The class size is limited to fifteen participants due to COVID-19 guidelines.  Also due to the popularity of the class, we also ask participants to commit to attending all seven sessions.  Participants of the Community Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City of Alexandria.  Please note a criminal history check will be conducted on all applicants before final approval is given to attend.

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 APD’s Volunteer Office at mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov.  The deadline for registration is August 5, 2022.

To stay up to date on the Alexandria Police Department, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/police.

For media inquiries, contact Marcel Bassett, Public Information Officer, at Marcel.Bassett@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6600.

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This news release is available at: Alexandriava.gov/go/3790