ACPD Opens Application Period For 28th Community Police Academy

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington County Police Department is accepting applications for its 28th Community Police Academy.

The goal of the Community Police Academy is to share knowledge and information with participants that allows them to recognize the roles and responsibilities of the police department.

"The Community Police Academy provides the unique opportunity to share information in real time with members of our community on a wide array of topics as it relates to policing as a profession and what it means to be a police officer here in Arlington County," ACPD Deputy Chief Wayne Vincent said in a statement.

Through the multi-week academy, participants will gain knowledge and understanding of how police officers are trained, their daily work environment, and the scope of work they perform. The program includes lectures, panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and hands-on experiences, including a special off-site session on a Saturday outside of Arlington County.

Classes are presented by ACPD leadership, sworn and civilian staff from across the agency and government partners. Some of the topics covered in the CPA curriculum include recruitment, legal considerations, use of force, mental health interventions, homeless outreach, community and youth outreach, and criminal investigations.

“It is absolutely essential that we have these conversations to promote a transparent relationship with those we serve while inviting all participants to engage in open discussion with the intention of reaching mutual understanding,” Vincent said.

The CPA is a 10-week program beginning on Thursday, Feb. 22. Classes will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Arlington County Courthouse at 1425 N. Courthouse Road. One session will take place on a Saturday at an off-site location outside of Arlington County.

To receive a graduation certificate, participants must attend at least eight of the 10 sessions.

Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and should live, work, attend school, or be affiliated with Arlington community organizations.

Due to the nature of the material covered in the CPA, a criminal history check will be conducted on each applicant. Prior arrests and convictions do not necessarily prohibit participation in the CPA, and each applicant will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Online applications for the CPA are due by Friday, Dec. 29 at 5 p.m.