PHOTO #1: Residents participate in a simulated traffic stop during the 2020 Civilian Police Academy hosted by the Victoria Police Department.
PHOTO #2: Residents participate in a simulated building search at an abandoned building during the 2018 Civilian Police Academy hosted by the Victoria Police Department.
PHOTO #3: Residents participate in a shooting exercise at the Victoria Police Department firearms range during the 2019 Civilian Police Academy. Participants receive firearm safety training before visiting the shooting range.
The 2022 Civilian Police Academy will give residents a chance to learn about different areas of police work and put that knowledge into action through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
“We try to include as many different areas of the department as possible,” said Officer John Turner. “Our past participants have found the format to be entertaining and informative.”
Activities during the 2022 academy will include:
- A simulated building search
- Dusting for fingerprints
- Demonstration of flashbangs, Tasers and other tools
- Firearm safety and shooting
- A simulation used to train officers to make split-second decisions
The academy will be hosted on Tuesday evenings 6-9 p.m. from Feb. 8 to April 26 with a break March 13 for the spring break holiday. The academy will also include two Saturday morning sessions in April with dates to be determined.
Residents can apply in-person at the police department’s Victoria Mall office (7800 N. Navarro St.) or by filling out the form at www.victoriatx.gov/civilianpoliceacademy. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
Residents who complete the Civilian Police Academy, the Civilian Responder Program (formerly called the Civilian Fire Academy) and Citizens Academy will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award and will be recognized during a City Council meeting.
For more information about the program, contact the Victoria Police Department’s Community Engagement Unit at 361-485-3808 or PoliceCEU@victoriatx.gov.