Alexandria police open enrollment for free spring community academy
The nine-week program gives residents and workers a behind-the-scenes look at how officers are trained, how crises are handled and how the department approaches public safety.
The Alexandria Police Department (APD)is accepting applications for its spring 2026 Community Police Academy, a free, nine-week program that offers those who live or work in the city a firsthand look at how public safety services are delivered.
The application deadline is Feb. 16.
The academy runs on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. beginning March 11 and wrapping up April 29, with a graduation ceremony scheduled for May 6. All sessions are held at APD headquarters, 3600 Wheeler Ave.
Through classroom instruction, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants get direct access to department leadership, officers, and professional staff. The program covers a broad range of operations, from patrol services and crime prevention to criminal investigations and specialized units, including K-9 teams and crime scene investigation.
Sessions also address behavioral health response through the Crisis Intervention Team and the Alexandria Co-Response Program, which pairs officers with mental health professionals on crisis calls. Other topics include officer training, accountability and transparency measures, traffic safety and DUI enforcement, and resources that support officer wellness.
“Completing the Alexandria Community Police Academy helped me understand modern policing and communicate better with the community and public safety professionals,” said Tai, an Alexandria resident and academy graduate, in a statement provided by APD. “The experience was very meaningful, and I am thankful to everyone for their support.”
The program opens with an introduction from the chief of police and an overview of how the department serves the community. Organizers say the academy is designed to increase transparency, deepen understanding of modern policing, and strengthen the relationship between the department and the people it serves.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and live or work in the city of Alexandria. Acceptance is contingent on completing an application and passing a background check.
Applications are available at alexandriava.gov/police. For questions, contact the APD Volunteer Office at mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov.