You can learn about the Police Department, laws, and court system.  Offered twice a year (depending on class size), the program lasts approximately 3-1/2 months meets once a week, and can lead to volunteer work in the police department office.

What is a Citizens' Police Academy?
    The Citizen's Academy is a group of Fredericksburg Citizens' who are interested in learning more about how their Police Department operates and the challenges our city faces.  It should help citizens gain a better understanding of why certain verdicts are given.

What is the purpose of the Citizens' Police Academy?
    The purpose of the Fredericksburg Police Department's Citizens' Academy is to enhance the positive relations between the Police Department and the community through education.  The goals are to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well informed citizens who have the potential of influencing public opinions about police services.  Citizens will gain an appreciation of problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions.

How are citizens selected?
    The department seeks to fill each session with a class of 25 participants.

How is the class conducted?
        Participants in each session commit to meeting 2 1/2 hours, one night per week for approximately 3-1/2 months, to learn about each aspect of the department and our role in the Criminal Justice System.  The sessions are held at the Law Enforcement Center Meeting Room.

What subjects are covered?
    A wide variety of topics are covered that will highlight each section and its duties.  The academy will begin with a short history of the department and a tour of the facilities.
    Additional topics will include department organization, patrol division, detective division, communications, court, records, training, use of force and firearms.

Who instructs the academy?
    Instructors are officers and personnel from the department, and other support personnel and professionals, who will speak on their area of expertise.

How do I apply to attend?
    Complete and send in the application.  A background check will be conducted on all applicants.  You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the next Academy.  There is no fee.
    You can pick up an application at the Law Enforcement Building (behind the Court House) or at the Law Enforcement Center (past Wal-Mart), or click below for the online form.

Printable Application (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)