The James City County Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy has been offering members of our local community the opportunity to get an inside look at the operation and function of police procedures since 1994. The classes offer an overview of the Department’s philosophy, each division, and other areas of police work such as operation of RADAR, traffic stops, DUI enforcement, search and seizures, handgun safety, shooting range, internal affairs, crime scene investigations, buildings searches and more. Students are given the opportunity to participate in several practical exercises such as a building search, citizen ride along program, firing weapons at a shooting range and a tour of the Emergency Operations Center.
The Citizens Police Academy is offered in the spring and fall each year. Most classes are held at the Law Enforcement Center located at 4600 Opportunity Way, from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays. There is one Saturday session, which is held at the firing range. The academy meets for 14 weeks, is offered to adults (18 years of age or older) who work or live in the County, and is free of charge.
The Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Aug. 14–Nov. 13 session. The application can be accessed on our website. All applicants must undergo a criminal background check before being admitted to the program. Please contact Master Police Officer Ben Woodhouse at 757-259-5150 or ben.woodhouse@jamescitycountyva.gov with any questions about the program.
We welcome individuals with disabilities to participate in our Citizen’s Police Academy. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable an individual’s participation in the program, as long as they meet the essential eligibility requirements required of all participants.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Williams, Police Spokesperson
757-592-5618; stephanie.williams@jamescitycountyva.gov