Deadline Extended For Alexandria's Fall Community Police Academy

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria residents and workers have a few more days to apply for a behind-the-scenes look at the city's police department.

The Alexandria Police Department has extended the application deadline for its Fall 2026 Community Police Academy to Friday. The original deadline was Aug. 31.

The free nine-week program begins Sept. 23 and gives participants a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences designed to show how different parts of the department operate.

Participants will get a chance to use equipment that measures vehicle speeds, meet APD's K-9 teams and tour the Special Operations Team's armored vehicle. The academy also includes a mock critical incident demonstrating crisis negotiators' communication and de-escalation techniques.

Other sessions will cover patrol operations, crime scene investigations, crime prevention and APD's mental health co-response program. Participants will also meet Police Chief Tarrick McGuire and speak with officers about their work.

Classes will generally be held Wednesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. at APD Headquarters, located at 3600 Wheeler Ave. The academy concludes with a graduation ceremony Nov. 18. The Nov. 11 class will instead be held Nov. 10 because of Veterans Day.

Applicants must be at least 21 and live or work in Alexandria. All applicants will undergo a criminal history check before being accepted.

Space is limited. To learn more and apply, visit alexandriava.gov/police-department/community-police-academy.