HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – – The Harrisonburg Police Department has opened applications for the 30th Annual Community Police Academy (CPA). The academy is open to anyone who resides, works, or attends school in the City of Harrisonburg and is at least 18 years old.

The 10-week Academy offers participants an in-depth look at the various divisions within the Harrisonburg Police Department through classroom discussions and hands-on scenarios. Topics include meeting HPD’s Command Staff, touring the department and Emergency Communications Center, exploring patrol procedures, major crimes investigations, and special operations. Participants will also learn about S.W.A.T., use of force policies, gang and drug task forces, firearms training (with a trip to the range), K9 operations, traffic stops, vehicle operations, crime scene collection, and crisis negotiations. While the program doesn’t certify participants as police officers, it fosters communication and understanding of the complex and rewarding field of law enforcement.

The CPA will be held from March 4th to May 6th, each Tuesday night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Harrisonburg Police Department. Applications may be found online at www.harrisonburgva.gov/community-police-academy or in the lobby of the Public Safety at Building at 101 N. Main St. The due date for the applications is February 14th, 2025.