Community Police Academy

The CPA is an educational program designed to create better understanding and communication between police and the community they serve. The intent of the CPA is to make participants aware of how the Arlington County Police Department operates and its role in the community. Participants are given an opportunity to increase their understanding of how police officers are trained and to experience the working environment of a police officer.

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 session at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. Some of the topics covered in the CPA curriculum include recruitment, legal considerations, use of force, mental health, interventions, homeless outreach, community and youth outreach, criminal investigations, the K9 unit, tactical operations, and patrol operations. 

The CPA is an eight-week program beginning on Thursday, March 2. 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 best practices in law enforcement, and can ask questions of presenters throughout the program. To receive a graduation certificate, participants must attend at least six sessions. 

Classes will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Arlington County Courthouse located at 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201. One session will take place on a Saturday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy located at 45299 Research Place, Ashburn, VA 20147.

CPA Session Schedule:

Session 1: Thursday March 2, 2023

Session 2: Thursday March 9, 2023

Session 3: Thursday March 16, 2023

Session 4: Saturday March 18, 2023

Session 5: Thursday March 23, 2023 

Session 6: Thursday March 30, 2023

Session 7: Thursday April 13, 2023

Session 8: Thursday April 20, 2023

Session 9: Thursday April 27, 2023

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 background check and review of your criminal history will be completed on each applicant. Class size is limited, and every effort will be made to maintain a balanced enrollment reflective of Arlington’s diverse community. 

Thank you for your interest in the Community Police Academy (CPA). The application period for the spring CPA is now closed.

For more information about the CPA, contact Sergeant D. Brooks of the Department’s Community Engagement Division.

The Teen Police Academy is a five-day academy for rising 10th – 12th graders who live in or attend school in Arlington County who want to explore a career in law enforcement. Through classroom presentations, hands-on learning, scenario training, and field trips, the Teen Police Academy will educate participants about a career in law enforcement, while also giving them a better understanding of how the police department operates and its role in the community. Participants can ask questions of presenters and share their insights throughout the program. Some of the topics covered in the Teen Police Academy curriculum include crime scene investigation, traffic stops, K9 demonstrations, and criminal investigations. 

The 2024 Teen Police Academy dates and location(s) will be announced at a later date.

Classes are presented by Departmental leadership, sworn and civilian staff from across the agency and government partners.

Transportation to and from the Teen Police Academy will be the responsibility of the parents or guardians.

Interested applicants must be rising 10th - 12th grade students who live in or attend school in Arlington County. There is no cost for students to attend. Every effort will be made to maintain a balanced enrollment reflective of Arlington's diverse community.  

For more information about the Teen Police Academy, email the Community Engagement Division at ACPDCED@arlingtonva.us.