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The Arlington County Police Department is accepting applications for its 29th Community Police Academy, a 10-week program offering an inside look at officer training, daily police work and law enforcement operations.

Classes begin Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, and will meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Arlington County Courthouse, 1425 N. Courthouse Road. No session will be held April 17 during Arlington Public Schools’ spring break.

The academy combines lectures, panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on activities. Department leaders, sworn officers, civilian employees and government partners will lead conversations about current events and policing practices.

Topics will include recruitment, legal issues, use of force, mental health interventions, homeless outreach, youth and community engagement, criminal investigations, patrol operations, tactical operations and the K9 unit.

Participants will also attend a Saturday Experience Day at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in Ashburn. During simulated calls for service, attendees will apply skills and knowledge gained throughout the program with help from officers representing several department units.

Applicants must be at least 18 and should live, work or attend school in Arlington, or have another connection to an Arlington community organization. Each applicant will undergo a criminal history check, but an arrest or conviction does not automatically prevent participation. Applications will be reviewed individually.

Enrollment is limited, and organizers will seek a class that reflects Arlington’s diverse community. Participants must attend at least eight of the 10 sessions to receive a graduation certificate.

Online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. Additional information is available from Sgt. D. Brooks of the Community Engagement Division at ACPDCED@arlingtonva.us.