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Community Police Academy
The Spring 2026 session is now full. Applications for the 2027 session will open in January.
Are you interested in learning more about your police department? Do you wonder what it would be like to be a police officer? How do they make the decisions they make? How officer's are trained? Consider appling for our Community Police Academy!
The Prince William County Police Department has launched a newly redesigned Community Police Academy to be a more interactive, hands-on program that offers participants an inside look at modern policing.
This updated six-week academy has been restructured to boost engagement, expand hands-on learning, and strengthen partnerships between officers and the community. Sessions will be held one evening per week with enrollment limited to approx. 20 participants to ensure a personalized experience. Food will be provided each week. Learn more in our FAQs below. If you have further questions, contact us!
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To apply, simply fill-out the Community Police Academy Application and send the completed form to the email below. Once the application is submitted, a background check is completed and letters are mailed to those who are selected approximately one month prior to the available session.
*Note: Please email completed applications to the Police Department (Retain a personal copy for your record.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Expand all- What is the Community Police Academy?
Our updated, dynamic program has been completely reimagined to boost engagement, expand hands-on opportunities, and strengthen partnerships between officers and the community they serve.The Community Police Academy gives participants an overview of the agency and much more. Graduates of the course will have a better understanding of the operation of the Department, and a greater awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by police officers each day.
- How long is the Community Police Academy?
The six-week program meets one night a week, from 6 to 9 p.m., and consists of classroom and hands-on instruction. The enhanced format focuses on participation — not just observation. Participants will take part in:
- Experience defensive tactics and safe handcuffing demonstrations
- Engage in use-of-force decision-making discussions
- Participate in Emergency Vehicle Operations demonstrations
- Explore Crisis Intervention techniques and communication strategies
- Learn firearm safety principles and engage in virtual training simulations
- Observe and interact with Special Operations units, including K9, SWAT, Bike, Motor, Crash, and Drone
The academy concludes with a graduation ceremony and specialty unit showcase open to participants’ families.
*NOTE: The location for classes will vary based on the training offered or topics being covered that day. Locations will be within the County, and can include, for example, one of the district stations, the Public Safety Training Center in Nokesville, the Mike Pennington Scenerio Based Training Center in Manassas, and Public Safety Communications Center near County Center.
- Why should I participate in the Community Police Academy?
The Community Police Academy is more than a class; it is an opportunity to build trust, deepen understanding, and foster lasting partnerships between law enforcement and the community. Our new format ensures that every participant leaves with a deeper understanding of:
- The complexity of law enforcement decision-making
- Department accountability and professionalism
- Community partnerships and public safety strategies
- The realities officers face in rapidly evolving situations
