HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) has
opened applications for the 31st Annual Community Police Academy (CPA). The academy is
open to anyone who lives, 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.

HPD CPA Week 6. Photo credit: Harrisonburg Police Department.

Topics include meeting HPD’s Command Staff, touring the department, 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 3rd to May 5th, 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 Building at 101 N. Main St. The due date for the applications is February 13th, 2026.