Citizens Police Academy

In 1995, the Hanover County Sheriff's Office began offering to its citizens, business owners and county employees the opportunity to attend a 10-week course geared at educating participants on the many facets of a law enforcement agency.

To date, over 600 individuals have successfully completed the academy. Many of these alumnae have joined the Sheriff's Office family by volunteering efforts in the areas of courtesy patrol and other opportunities available. [Sheriff's Office Volunteer Page]

The 25th session will begin September 10 and last through November 12, 2013. Applicants must meet the following criteria in order to attend:

  • 21 years of age
  • no criminal background, and
  • a Hanover County:
    • Resident,
    • Employee, or
    • Business Owner

During the session, classes meet each Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with presentation topics and hands-on training offered by:

  • Forensic specialists covering crime scene investigation techniques.
  • Narcotics investigators educating attendees on illegal drugs.
  • Youth Services officers covering the rapport, presence and assistance provided to our schools.
  • Our Safe Streets division and the success this unit has had in reducing crime in Hanover's more populated corridors.
  • Hands-on patrol experience in conducting traffic stops and building searches.
  • Ride-a-long opportunities for those interested in participating.

One class meeting is held on a Saturday at the Sheriff's Office firing range. On this day, class participants learn about the various weapons utilized by the Sheriff's Office, have the opportunity for supervised target practice and learn about the various special units at the Sheriff's Office:

  • High Risk Entry Team
  • Dive Team
  • Canine Unit
  • Traffic Safety Unit
  • Mobile Command Center and many others

Successful completion of the CPA allows you to become eligible to participate in the department's Volunteer Program.

If you would like more information on the CPA, please contact Lisa Hancock at (804) 365-6825 or you may complete an application and return it to the Sheriff's Office. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and students are notified in early August of their acceptance into the Fall session of the academy.

 

CPA Demo

The 25th session will be hosted by the Hanover County Sheriff's Office September 10 - November 12, 2013

 

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. For more information contact: Lisa Hancock (804) 365-6825

Download your Application