The James City County Citizens Police Academy is once again accepting applications for their spring session, according to a James City County Police Department news release.
The 14-week Citizens Police Academy will start Feb. 21, and is an opportunity for civilians to experience the duties of a police officer, from understanding the department’s philosophy to learning about crime scene investigations, the release said.
Academy students are also encouraged to participate in the program by taking part in the ride-along program and learning how to fire weapons in the safety of a shooting range, the release said.
Other activities include learning about DUI enforcement.
The department has offered these classes once a year since 1994. Their purpose is to give community members a look into the life of an officer as well as learn practical safety procedures, according to the release.
The academy is different from firearm safety courses that will be held in December and sponsored by Project Childsafe, according to an Oct. 20 police department news release. Through the academy, citizens learn a wide spectrum of police work over a span of 14 of weeks, the news release said.
Classes will be held at the Law Enforcement Center, located at 4600 Opportunity Way, from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays. The academy is free for adults living or working in James City County, but interested citizens must submit their application before the start of the spring session on Feb. 21, according to the release.
The application for the academy states those who graduate from the course are initiated into the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.The association gives graduates opportunities to continue and practice the skills learned at the academy, according to the association’s website.
For more information contact Master Police Officer Jamie Lilley at 757-603-6027.
