From Cape Story neighborhood watch:

Virginia Beach Citizens’ Police Academy

Monday, January 07, 2013 · 10:00 am

​ The Virginia Beach Citizens’ Police Academy provides an excellent opportunity for citizens, ages 21 and up, or 18 and in college, who work and/or live in the City of Virginia Beach, to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the police department. This will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies, and laws that guide the department’s decisions. Citizens will hear the accounts and experiences of a wide variety of police personnel and will also engage in hands-on activities. This class is not intended to make citizens into police officers but to allow citizens to learn more about police operations. Citizens will become informed as to the actual role of the police and, in return, the police will benefit from the wealth of knowledge the citizens can give about their community. A police ride-along opportunity will be offered during the session for observation of the officer’s daily duties.

Sponsored by the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, the 35th session will run from February 5, 2013 through May 14, 2013, with classes held every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The classes will be held at the Law Enforcement Training Academy located at 411 Integrity Way in Virginia Beach. Applications are now being accepted and are available at any Virginia Beach Police Precinct, the Crime Prevention Unit Building #15 at the Municipal Center, or you can print a copy from this address: http://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/police/opsdiv/Documents/PD045.pdf.

Completed applications for this session must be received by the Crime Prevention Office by Friday, January 18, 2013. Please do not drop off completed applications at a police precinct. Seating is limited.

Topics covered in the academy include:

Recruitment, Selection, & Training

A Day in the Life of a Patrol Officer

Firearms Safety & Range Operations

Deadly Force Encounters

Forensics

Basic Criminal Law

Animal Control

History of Law Enforcement

Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

Crime Prevention Programs

Crisis Intervention Team

School Resource Officer Program

Criminal Investigations

PhotoSafe Red Light Enforcement Program

Volunteer Opportunities

Jail Tour

K9, SWAT, Bomb Squad, & Helicopter Unit

Media Relations

Law Enforcement Technology

Special Investigations (narcotics, vice, & gangs)

For further information, contact MPO Jeff Eaton at 385-1066, bjeaton@vbgov.com