If you’ve ever wondered why police do what they do, here’s a chance to understand and learn more about law enforcement.
The James City County Police Department is accepting applications for the 50th Citizens Police Academy, which runs March 4-June 3.
The free Academy is offered in the spring and fall each year. Most classes are at the Law Enforcement Center, 4600 Opportunity Way, from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, according to a news release from James City County Police.
There is one Saturday session, which is at the firing range. The academy meets for 14 weeks, is offered to adults (18 years of age or older) who work or live in the county.
Since 1994, the department’s Citizens Police Academy has been offering community members the opportunity to get an inside look at the operation and function of police procedures.
Officials said the classes “offer an overview of the department’s philosophy, each division and other areas of police work such as the operation of RADAR, traffic stops, DUI enforcement, search and seizures, handgun safety, shooting range, internal affairs, crime scene investigations, buildings searches and more.”
Students are given the opportunity to participate in several practical exercises such as a building search, citizen ride along program, firing weapons at a shooting range and a tour of the Emergency Operations Center, officials said.
The application can be accessed through the department’s website. Applications may be mailed to Master Police Officer Jamie Lilley, James City County Police Department, PO Box 8784, Williamsburg, VA 23187, dropped off at the Law Enforcement Center or emailed to MPO Lilley at jamie.lilley@jamescitycountyva.gov.
Lilley can also be reached at 757-603-6027 if you have any questions.
Officials said the Academy welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate.
“Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable an individual’s participation in the program, as long as they meet the essential eligibility requirements required of all participants,” officials wrote in a news release.
