Get to know your Police Department! The 10-week Alexandria Citizens’ 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, gangs, 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 10:00 p.m. at the Police Department’s new Headquarters at 3600 Wheeler Ave in the Community Room, located on the 1st floor. Classes begin on March 14, 2012, and will end with a formal graduation ceremony on May 23, 2012.

The program is offered free of charge. Class size is limited to twenty participants. Applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Participants of the Citizens Police Academy must be at least 21 years of age and live or work in the City. In addition Criminal History checks will be conducted on all applicants.

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.

For more information on the Citizens Police Academy or to request an application, visit alexandriava.gov/Police or e-mail the Volunteer Office at Virginia.obranovich@alexandriava.gov.

The deadline for registrations is February 14, 2012.