Themed Citizen Academies

The Community Police Academy are delivered in a series of classes that offer straightforward, candid, information regarding daily and specialized operations of the Police Department, while defining the agency’s role in the community. While effective community policing is based on relationships built on mutual trust and understanding, the Richmond Police Department opens its doors to the community through our themed academies and volunteering.

The themed academies provides us with an opportunity to involve citizens in the Richmond Police Department’s law enforcement efforts. It gives citizens a working knowledge of the Richmond police Department’s mission, operation, policies, personnel, and challenges. As a result, citizens become more familiar with the day-to-day operations of our police department and the actual role of the police.

Our goal is to provide a better understanding of the Department's operations and philosophies. The curriculum covers a variety of topics that range from gun and drug use in the City to how a murder is investigated. Participants also ride with officers, get a first-hand look at how the Division of Emergency Communications operates, and visit the firing range. Themed academy graduates are eligible for the Neighborhood Assistance Officer and Volunteers in Policing programs.

For more information, contact the Community Care Unit at (804) 646-3354 or email RPDCares@richmondgov.com