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Community Police Academy
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Police Academy
Interested in learning more about the Community Police Academy?Are you interested in learning more about your police department? Apply for the Community Police Academy.
Do you wonder what it would be like to be a police officer? How do they make the decisions they make? What does a detective do? How are they trained?
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To apply, simply fill-out the Community Police Academy Application and send the completed form to the email below. Once the application is submitted, a background check is completed and letters are mailed to those who are selected approximately one month prior to the available session.
*Note: Please email completed applications to the Police Department (Retain a personal copy for your record.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Expand all- What is the Community Police Academy?
The Community Police Academy gives residents an overview of the Prince William County Police Department. Graduates of the course will have a better understanding of the operation of the Department, and a greater awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by Prince William County police officers each day.
- How long is the Community Police Academy?
The eight-week program meets one night a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., and consists of classroom and hands-on instruction. Topics to be covered include virtually every aspect of police work including:
- Patrol Operations
- Criminal Investigations
- Tactical Operations
- Crime Scene Management
- Professional Standards
- Special Operations
In addition, participants will be given the opportunity to ride a shift with a patrol officer and be familiarized with police equipment including firearms.
- Why should I participate in the Community Police Academy?
Past participants have various reasons as to why they attended:
- Wanted to better understand their role with the police
- Debunk police depictions on TV and in the movies
- Seek better insight into the profession
- Possible interest in volunteering with the Department
- Ask questions based on recent events and news coverage
Whatever your reason for wanting to participate, we are continuously looking for attendees of the next Community Police Academy.
- What happens after graduation from the Community Police Academy?
Graduates of the Community Police Academy have an opportunity to join the Prince William County Community Police Academy Alumni Association (PWCCPAAA).
The PWCCPAAA gives our residents a way to continue learning about the Department and support law enforcement in our community.
Alumni Association meetings are held monthly featuring a guest speaker who presents information about new Police Department programs or other topics of interest. Additionally, the Chief of Police normally addresses the general membership once per year.
For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Section by calling (703) 792-7270 or email.