Prince William County Police Capt. Fred Miller leads the department’s training efforts — and that includes teaching some people who will never wear a police uniform.
The department’s citizen police academy recently graduated its 28th class. The program puts people through a nine-week course that explains policing and police policy, including criminal investigations, patrolling and crime scene management.
“It’s kind of a microcosm of the overall academy,” Miller said.
He said the class stresses the elements of the police department members “would have the most contact with as members of the public,” such as the patrol unit and the communications center that handles emergency calls.
The program blends classroom and hands-on instruction. For instance, Miller said, members participate in a use-of-force simulation that forces them to decide how much force is appropriate in various situations.
The academy has graduated more than 720 citizens since the early 1990s. It runs once a year, and anyone who lives or works in Prince William County is eligible to apply.
Miller said he’s been surprised that interest in the academy has persisted for so long. Police originally had expected to “saturate the market” in a year or two, he said, but the class has been full each year.
Police officials said the academy helps police learn about citizens’ concerns and benefits the participants.
“Graduates of the program are better-informed citizens who gain an understanding of the operation of the police department and a greater awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by Prince William County police officers each day,” Chief Charlie Deane said.
Meeting in a neutral setting, Miller said, “helps for people to see the person behind the badge.”
