VPD Announces 37th Session Citizens Police Academy

The Valdosta Police Department would like to announce the 37th Session of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA), held each Thursday night, April 13, 2023, through June 1, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 pm. This eight-week program aims to give citizens a chance to interact with members of the police department and obtain a better understanding of the internal workings of a law enforcement agency. The CPA provides great community engagement between Valdosta Police Officers and the citizens they serve. During the academy, students are exposed to a variety of topics to give students a more in-depth understanding of law enforcement. Students are provided a more in-depth, hands-on understanding of all aspects of the department, including Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Processing, K-9 Unit, Narcotics Investigations, Community Policing, Training, Firearms Training Simulator, and Gang Investigations. Students are allowed to ride with patrol officers and tour all department areas, including the Valdosta Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory. There are no fees to attend, and all materials needed are furnished free of charge.

“This is a great opportunity for citizens to interact with members of our department while seeing the different areas of our department and everything our staff does daily.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan

Interested Citizens must contact Officer Randall Hancock at 229-293-3090 or rhancock@valdostacity.com for an application. The number of participating students is limited, and applicants are selected on a first-come basis. The next CPA will be held in the Fall of 2023.