A Fairfax County police program designed to help break down the love-hate relationship between residents and their police force has been recognized as the best program of its type in the country.
The Fairfax County Police Citizens Police Academy brings residents into the police department where they get a firsthand look at specialty units — SWAT, bomb squad and criminal investigations, among others — and learn the rules and regulations police officers are required to follow. Participants receive classroom lessons followed by hands-on programs, including the investigation of mock crime scenes. They’re also brought inside the county jail and they can opt for a ride-along with a county police officer.
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The program was recognized year’s best by the National Neighborhood Citizens Police Academy Association. The organization is composed of similar programs across the country and helps further the objective of breaking down barriers between police and citizens, the association’s Web site said. The programs don’t train residents to be reserve police officers, but rather “produce informed citizens,” the Web site said.
Fairfax started its program in 2002 and since then hundreds of residents have passed through the courses, a statement from the police department said.
The program is open to people who live or work in Fairfax County. Participants must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal record review. Classes are in the evenings and take up 35 hours over 10 weeks. Classroom locations change as students rotate through various police facilities, including the police helicopter hanger, crime labs and weapons training grounds. Applicants are advised that there’s typically a lengthy waiting list.
Anyone who is interested in participating should call 703-280-0713 or e-mail [email protected].
