Citizen Police Academy Class #59 (2026)

Citizen Police Academy - Class #59

September 24, 2026 - November 19, 2026
Newport News Police Department - Citizen Police Academy

The City of Newport News

Purpose:

The Citizen Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn firsthand about police operations. Through a series of lectures, field trips, and simulated activities, citizens experience training similar to that of an actual police officer. The Academy is of benefit to the community and the department because it builds relationships and creates a cadre of citizens who are better informed about the reality of police work. The Citizen Police Academy is offered two times a year: Fall session (September-November) and Spring session (February – April).

Due to the amount of resources it takes to offer a Citizen Police Academy class, there must be at least 15 citizens enrolled in order for the class to take place. If there are not enough participants, the class will be moved to the next session.

Format:

The academy runs for eight weeks with most classes held between 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. on Thursday nights.

Location:

Unless otherwise specified, classes are conducted at the Police Headquarters (9710 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA 23605). Some off-site visits are made to other relevant locations.

Instruction:

Instruction is provided by Police Department personnel. This program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn police officer.

Sample Curriculum:
- Overview of Department Operations and Organization
- Introduction to Community Oriented Policing
- Forensics
- Firearms Operations
- Vice/Narcotics Operations
- Communications and the processing of calls for service
Qualifications for participation:
- Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
- Must be either a Newport News resident, business owner, employed in the city or connected to the city in some way
- Must pass a criminal history background check.
For more information, please contact us at (757)975-5100 or CYODAPPS@nnva.gov
Please Read Carefully Before Proceeding

Due to the sensitivity and classified nature of the material shared with you during the Citizen Police Academy, it is essential each applicant complete this application thoroughly and truthfully. It is imperative to the security of our agency that each accepted applicant is of good moral and legal standing. All questions must be answered, if applicable. If not, indicate N/A (not applicable). The information you provide in this application will remain confidential. You are responsible for obtaining correct addresses, to include street address, state, and zip code.
Personal Data

Applicants MUST be at least 18 years of age to apply.
Participant's Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Participant Phone Number
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Race
Sex
Height
Weight
Hair color
Eye color
Participant Date of Birth

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Place of Birth
Social Security Number
Driver's License Number/State/Expiration Date
Email address
Are you a resident of Newport News? If yes, how long?
Allergies/Medical Conditions
Background

NOTE: A conviction includes a guilty plea, payment of traffic or other fine without court appearance, or a court conviction of a criminal or traffic offense. An arrest constitutes being taken into police custody. This also includes a warrant(s) for your arrest.
Please explain briefly why you wish to be enrolled in the Newport News Police Department Citizen Police Academy.
If the answer to ANY of the below asked questions in Yes, please explain in detail. Give date, place, charge, and final disposition in each case.
Have you ever been arrested for an offense other than a traffic violation? If yes, please explain.
Have you ever been arrested for a traffic offense (example: DUI, Driving Under Suspension, Declaration of Habitual Offender, etc.) If yes, please explain.
Have you ever illegally possessed any drug or controlled substance that was not prescribed by a medical professional or given to you to hold while you were acting on behalf of, or employed to do so, by a law enforcement agency?
Have you ever illegally sold, given, or distributed drugs or controlled substances?
Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from any job in the past 5 years? If yes, please explain.
Employment

List information on the last 2 jobs you have held. State retired, unemployed, housewife, etc. if applicable.
Present employer
Date Hired
Address
City
State/Zipcode
Phone number
Supervisor
Your title
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

I hereby authorize the person listed below to be contacted and make decisions in case of emergency and the parent/guardian is unable to be reached.
Emergency Contact Name

First NameLast Name
Emergency Contact Mobile Phone Number
Emergency Contact Address:
Relationship to Applicant:
Before signing this form, please ensure that all the information you have disclosed to the Newport News Police Department is accurate and truthful. If you are unsure of any questions, please make sure that you clarify it with a police department representative prior to signing this document. Any misrepresentation given by any applicant will result in the denial of the applicant’s request to participate in the Newport News Citizen Police Academy. We ask that you provide, without omission whatsoever, any and all information requested.
Applicant's Signature
I, the above signed, certify that the information given is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Release of Information
AUTHORIZATION

I understand that the Newport News Police Department will be performing a criminal background and driving history check on me with reference to my application for the Citizen Police Academy.

I hereby authorize the Newport News Police Department to have access to any and all driving record information and criminal information as it pertains to me. I understand that the Newport News Police Department considers any such information confidential and will not be released to me.

I further authorize the release of any information that is required to clarify my criminal background investigation, be it from any of the following:
- Personal references or any person(s) having knowledge regarding my character or reputation;
- Any past or present employer (to include the U.S. Armed Forces, Maritime Service, Veteran Administration, or U.S. Selective Service);
- Any Judge, Court, or Magistrate;
- Any State, Local, or Federal Law Enforcement Agency;
- Any Attorney-at-Law or other legal entity handling any criminal or traffic-related case related to me;
- Any State, Local, City or County Agency
A photocopy of this release form will be valid as an original thereof, even though the photocopy does not contain my original signature.

I have read and understand the above statements.
Applicant's Signature
Should be Empty:

Citizen Police Academy - Class #59

Please Read Carefully Before Proceeding

Personal Data

Background

Employment