Citizens' Police Academy

Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy
2022 Session

The application period for the 2022 Session has closed. The next session application period will be posted here, but has yet to open.

This free course will give you more knowledge about the Chesapeake Police Department and how it functions. 

Check out the video about the Chesapeake Police Academy. 

Please see below in the "How can I apply" area for the application link.

Note: Your application must be notarized. There are free notaries in our libraries, and if you are unable to get to one, please contact me and I will arrange to meet with you. For questions or more information, please email Larry Garrett at lg.ccpda@gmail.com

• What a police officer does all day?
• What happens to suspects when they are arrested?
• If a real Crime Scene Investigator works like the ones on television?
• What happens when a citizen dials 9-1-1?
• What it’s really like inside a jail?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions – or if you would just like to know how the Police Department is spending your tax dollars...

You are cordially invited to attend the
Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy!

What is the Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy (CCPA)?

The CCPA is a 14-session course designed to acquaint Chesapeake citizens with the many facets of our Police Department. Applicants for CCPA must be at least 18 years old, a Chesapeake citizen, and pass a criminal background check.

When are classes held?

Classes are from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. There are also 4 Saturday sessions that meet from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where are the classes held?

Classes are held throughout the City, under the direction and guidance of the Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy, depending on the subject matter.

Who teaches the classes?

Subject Matter Experts from the Police Department, including command staff, Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and Sheriff’s Department present interesting, thought-provoking, and eye-opening presentations of their particular area(s) of expertise.

What topics are covered?

Topics typically covered* are:

• Use of force
• Crime Analysis
• Tour of Forensics Labs
• K-9 Unit Demonstration
• SWAT Team Demonstration
• Tour of courts and jail
• Tour of 9-1-1 Dispatch Center
• Crime Prevention & Block Security
• Drugs, Special Investigations and Search Warrants
• Firearms Range (participants can fire a standard Police service weapon)
• Ride-Along(s) with Patrol Officers as they cover their “beat”

* Please note: All tours and classes are subject to availability of personnel, emergency situations occurring, weather, and other matters, and are at the sole discretion of the Police Department.

How can I apply?

The Academy is offered annually. Please keep an eye on this page for future application announcements. For more information on the CCPA please contact the Chesapeake Police Academy at 757-382-1525. Download the CCPA Application

Graduation.

At the completion of the course, participants are awarded a “Certificate of Completion,” typically presented by the Chief of Police at a graduation ceremony.

After Graduation:

Graduates of the Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy are eligible for membership in the Chesapeake Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CCPAAA). Meetings are held monthly to hear guest speakers, enjoy social activities, keep abreast of police activities, and receive updated information on volunteer opportunities. Individual volunteerism within the Police Department is encouraged.

If you would like to receive further information, contact the Chesapeake Police Academy at 757-382-1525. A criminal record check will be conducted on all participants, and letters will go out approximately two weeks before this session begins.

Chesapeake Police Academy
757-382-1525

A criminal record check will be conducted on all participants.