The Newport News Citizen Police Academy (CPA) provides an opportunity for citizens to learn more about police operations.
The academy runs for 12 weeks and classes are held every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the exception of one Saturday set aside for the firing range. Some of the topics addressed include:
Recruiting: How are Officers selected, Criminal Investigations, Forensics, Gangs, Probable Cause/Use of Force, Marine Patrol, K-9, Special Victims: Child Abuse/Domestic & Family Violence and the Tactical Operations Unit; just to name a few. Additionally, participants visit the 911 Communications Center and the city jail.
Interested citizens must submit an application by the August 17 deadline and meet the following requirements: (1) 18 years of age, (2) pass a criminal background check and (3) be a Newport News resident,
business owner, employed by the city or be connected to the city in some way (exceptions are made on a case by case basis). Classes are held twice a year. The fall sessions run from September through December and the Spring sessions from February to May. The next class is scheduled to take place from September 14 - December 7. For additional information or an application, visit the
CPA website.