Application Open: ACPD Celebrates the 30th Community Police Academy
Published on January 05, 2026
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is now accepting applications for its 30th Community Police Academy (CPA)—a milestone class celebrating three decades of continued partnership with our community members. The CPA is an immersive educational program that strengthens communication, collaboration and mutual understanding between the department and those we serve. Participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at ACPD operations and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s essential role in keeping Arlington safe and connected.
“The Community Police Academy continues to provide a unique educational and experiential opportunity for participants to learn about and discuss various aspects of policing in their community,” said Deputy Chief Dave Giroux. “The frank and thoughtful discussions that occur during each session help to foster greater depth of understanding for all parties so that we may work together for a safer community with greater understanding, respect and trust.”
Program Overview
Through an immersive, multi-week experience, participants will gain knowledge and understanding of how police officers are trained, their daily work environment, and the wide scope of work they perform in service to the Arlington community. The program includes lectures, panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and hands-on experiences, including a special off-site session on a Saturday, outside of Arlington County. Classes are presented by Departmental leadership, sworn and civilian staff from across the agency and government partners. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, including those about current events and effective policing practices, and can ask questions of presenters throughout the program. Some of the topics covered in the CPA curriculum include recruitment, legal considerations, use of force, mental health interventions, community and youth outreach, criminal investigations, the K9 unit, tactical operations and patrol operations.
Academy Schedule
The CPA is a 10-week program beginning on Thursday, February 26. Classes will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Arlington County Courthouse (1425 N. Courthouse Road). An Experience Day will take place on a Saturday during the program at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in Ashburn, Va. During the Experience Day, participants will have the opportunity to put their new skills and knowledge from the CPA into action during simulation call for service scenarios put on by officers from various units within the department. There will not be a session held on April 2 in observance of Arlington County Public School’s spring break. To receive a graduation certificate, participants must attend at least eight of the 10 sessions.
Applicants
Interested applicants must be at least 18 years old and should live, work, attend school, or be otherwise affiliated or engaged with Arlington community organizations. Due to the nature of the material covered in the CPA, a criminal history check will be conducted on each applicant. Prior arrests and/or convictions do not necessarily prohibit participation in the CPA and each applicant will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Class size is limited, and every effort will be made to maintain a balanced enrollment reflective of Arlington’s diverse community. Online applications are due no later than Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Contact Information
For more information about the CPA, contact the Department’s Community Engagement Division at ACPDCED@arlingtonva.us.