The Radford City Police Department has announced the return of the RCPD Citizens Police Academy starting on Feb. 20, 2024.
The academy will take place for nine weeks, meeting once a week on Tuesday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Radford City Police Department (with one Saturday session).
“This is an exciting way to learn and engage with your local police department. It provides community members the chance to learn, ask questions, and engage in healthy discussions,” the department announced.
“The Citizen Police Academy is designed to allow citizens to gain a realistic view of law enforcement operations of the Radford City Police Department,” the department’s announcement states. “It is our hope that insight gained by participating in this program will be both informative and enjoyable. The main goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to build relationships with the citizens and creates a community that is better informed about the reality of police work.”
Curriculum includes K-9, communications / E911 center, criminal investigations, patrol, swat, community engagement and firearms.
Qualifications / rules include:
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older.
Applicant must be able to pass a criminal history background check.
No participation in a similar program within the past six months
Participants are required to dress in proper attire. Jeans and t-shirts are not permitted, except with the approval from the coordinator for certain classes.
Follow all instructions by the instructor during the program. No interference with the performance of the instructor shall be permitted.
The program may be terminated at any time during participation by the coordinator.
Participants are required to conduct themselves in a mature, professional manner at all times.
Participants shall not be armed.
Applications are currently being accepted for the academy and will be accepted through Feb. 14, 2024. Please visit radfordcitypolice.org and click on the Citizen Police Academy tab for more details and how to apply online.
Staff report
