Youth Citizens Police Academy
YCPA

Each June, the Sheriff's Office offers our county's rising 9th through 12th graders the opportunity to attend a five-day academy to learn about the law enforcement agency in their county.

Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and takes place at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters located at 7522 County Complex Road, the Sheriff's Office firing range located on Courtland Farm Road and other off-site locations where transportation is provided by the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

Throughout the academy, participants learn about the how's and why's of police work; i.e., traffic stops, crime scene investigations, functions of specialized units such as Narcotics, Youth Services, Traffic Safety and many other interesting topics. Students will have the opportunity for hands-on exercises with the final day spent at the Sheriff's Office firing range with presentations by the department's special units; i.e., High Risk Entry (HRET), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 demonstrations culminating with a picnic for the students and their families.

This past June completed the 6th YCPA session with over 75 county youth having attended since 2005. Completion of the YCPA is a great way for our youth to communicate with officers, can lead to interest in our Explorer Program and possibly create an interest in law enforcement as a career.

Applicants must be in good standing with their respective school and have no criminal background. If you would like more information on the YCPA, please see your School Resource Officer and watch for advertised dates to be posted within your school.