The Citizen Police Academy

A Program of the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office

What is it?

The Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a ten week program designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office. It consists of a series of interactive classes held once a week, on Tuesday evening from 7-9:30p.m. Except week 8 & 9, which are held on a Saturday 8am until 12 pm. There are two sessions a year, and each session is limited to 20 students. The program is offered free to participants.

Goals of the CPA

One of the goals for the Citizen Police Academy is to help the residence of Spotsylvania County better understand how the Sheriffs Office works in their community. It is hoped that all graduates of the Academy will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting their community and why they make the decisions they do while performing that duty.
Why?

Community Oriented Policing plays an important and vital role in reducing crime. Therefore, the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office is instituting the Citizen Police Academy to improve communication and obtain citizen input and support throughout the county. It is hoped that the graduates will become partners with the Sheriffs Office in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that affect the community.
What is taught?

C.O.P. Philosophy                                  C.P.A. Alumni Program Bike Program

Recruitment                                             Traffic Stops

Crime Prevention Police Academy            Investigations/Narcotics

Records/Crime Analysis                            Field Training

Evidence Collection                                   DARE

911 Center                                                Gangs/Juvenile/SRO

K-9 Unit Patrol/Narc/Bomb/Cadaver        Criminal Code

Air Unit Boat Patrol Exclusionary Rule       G.S.A.R.

Interview/Interrogation                               Traffic Code

Dive Team                                                 Communication Tactics

DUI Enforcement                                      Use of Force/Lethal/Less than Lethal

Who can attend?

Individuals who enroll in the Citizen Academy must be at least 21 years of age. They must also live, work, or own property in the county of Spotsylvania.

CPA Alumni Association

Graduates will be encouraged to join the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association. This will give graduates the opportunity for continued education in the field of law enforcement. It will also allow them to have an interactive association with the Sheriffs Office.

How can I apply?

Print and fill out the application below. Then fax (582-9448) or mail to
Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office PO Box 124 Spotsylvania, VA 22553