The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has opened applications for its Spring 2026 Community Police Academy. The free, nine-week program is intended for people who live or work in Alexandria and want to learn about how public safety services are provided in the city.
Participants will have direct contact with APD leadership, officers, and staff through classroom sessions, discussions, and interactive activities. The academy aims to increase transparency, improve understanding of police work, and build stronger relationships between the department and the community. Attendees will get an overview of patrol operations, crime prevention strategies, criminal investigations, and specialized police services.
A previous participant shared their experience: “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 Community Police Academy graduate. “The experience was very meaningful, and I am thankful to everyone for their support.”
The program runs on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., starting March 11 through April 29 at Police Department Headquarters on Wheeler Avenue. A graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 6. There is no cost to attend.
The curriculum starts with an introduction from the Chief of Police and explains how the department serves residents. Topics include officer response to behavioral health calls through programs like Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Alexandria Co-Response Program (ACORP), officer training procedures, investigative processes, accountability measures, specialized units such as K-9 teams and crime scene investigation units, traffic safety efforts including DUI enforcement, as well as resources that support officer wellness.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either live or work in Alexandria. They need to complete both an application form and a background check before being accepted into the program.
Applications are available now online at www.Alexandriava.gov/police until February 16, 2026. Questions can be directed to mary.bruno@alexandriava.gov.
Alexandria provides a range of services within its boundaries as an independent city according to its official website. The city also operates under a council-manager system where City Council selects a manager responsible for operations as described by local government sources. Efforts are made by Alexandria’s administration to incorporate racial and social equity into policies to ensure fair outcomes for all community members. Additionally, local museums document cultural history—including African American heritage—and contribute to community identity through various historic sites.
