Portsmouth Police Department is proud to present the citizens' Police Academy. This community-oriented program is designed to provide private citizens and members of the business community with an insider’s perspective of police work and the legal system.

During the ten-week academy, participants will be exposed to all areas of the criminal justice system. Police Department instructors will cover a variety of topics, such as officer recruitment, Uniform Patrol duties, functions of investigative units, Crime Prevention, and drug use and abuse information. Several classes will involve actual demonstrations by special units, including SWAT, K-9 and Mounted Patrol. Hands-on classes also are provided in firearms training and traffic stop exercises. A ride-along experience with patrol is offered as well, to allow participants to observe first-hand officers’ response to police calls for service.

The citizens' Police Academy will assist ultimately in the reduction of crime, through the forging of a partnership between the community and the Police Department. This partnership is the most practical, efficient, and powerful tool in the fight against crime.

Under the leadership of Chief Edward Long, the Portsmouth Police Department embraces the philosophy of high performing organizations, seeking to continuously improve delivery of services to a more complex and diverse community. The citizens' Police Academy is one of several innovative programs developed by the Police Department, promoting its evolution as a modern, dynamic, and professional law enforcement agency.

If you are interested in attending, you must complete an application form.  Application forms are available from the Portsmouth Police Training Unit, 330 County Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 or you may CLICK HERE to print the application form and mail or fax it to the above address.

Note:-You must download and install the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view and print this application. If you click on the yellow icon at the bottom of this page, you will be taken to the Adobe Acrobat Reader download site. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free of charge. When you have downloaded and installed Acrobat Reader, click on the link above, and save the application to your hard drive.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CITIZEN ACADEMY APPLICATION