Senior Citizens Police Academy
SCPA

Due to the enormous interest by our county seniors in the Citizens Police Academy program, in 2008 the Sheriff's Office responded with the creation of a daytime academy giving our seniors the opportunity to learn more about the agency by participating in a Senior Citizens Police Academy (SCPA).


Similar to the Sheriff's Office CPA, the SCPA is also a 11-week course. However, the SCPA meets weekly from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at a chosen location in the county. The location varies each year in an effort to accommodate seniors in all areas of the county.
The academy is open to applicants 55 years of age or older who:

  • Have no criminal background
  • Are a Hanover County
    • Resident
    • Business owner, or
    • Employee
  • Each week, participants learn about the "how's and why's" of police work; such as:
    • Traffic stops
    • Crime scene investigations
    • Functions of specialized units such as Narcotics, Youth Services, and Safe Streets
    • Many other interesting topics specific to seniors; i.e. identity theft, personal safety, Medicare fraud, etc.

Each class is instructed by sworn members of the Sheriff's Office.
During the academy, you will spend one morning touring the Sheriff's Office and taking a trip to our firing range, where you will learn about the department's "special teams":

  • High Risk Entry (HRET)
  • Traffic Safety Unit (TSU)
  • Observe a K-9 demonstration

Also, a patrol ride-along is offered on a date and shift of your choice.
Completion of the SCPA allows you to become eligible to participate in the department's Volunteer Program and Courtesy Patrol.

Recently, the Sheriff's Office completed its 5th session having over 120 seniors complete the program. If you would like more information on the SCPA, please contact call (804) 365-6110 or you may complete an application and return it to the Sheriff's Office.
Senior Citizens Police Academy

The Sheriff's Office Contact for the Senior Citizens Academy program is:
E-mail: Jim McLaughlin
Phone: (804) 365-6335

Download Application Packet here.