Academy starts
held every other year in the fall, in even years
Class size
Maximum 15 students
Minimum 10 to run
Eligibility
Age 18 and over
Beckley or Raleigh County
The program
What Is the Citizens Police Academy?
Beckley Police Department Citizens Police Academy
Building Lasting Relationships
The Beckley Police Department strives to build lasting relationships with the Beckley community. We know that at times there has been uncertainty and uneasiness when citizens deal with law enforcement, not only locally but nationwide. It is important that we create a natural environment where our community feels comfortable asking questions and learning about law enforcement.
The Citizens Police Academy is intended to open the lines of communication between residents and the department. It runs yearly and is designed to familiarise citizens with the how, what and why of police procedures, and to provide an opportunity to interact with our officers. Our goal is to produce informed citizens who can take what they have learned back into their own circles and share it with friends and colleagues.
In addition to classroom training
What Students Do
Ride with patrol officers
Tour and observe the Emergency Operation Center, the 911 Center
Take part in hands-on activities, role-play exercises and scenarios
Before you apply
Applicant Requirements
Must be a resident of Beckley or Raleigh County
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must produce valid photo identification
May not presently be under indictment or under an order of protection from the courts
May not have a felony conviction
May not have any misdemeanor arrests in the two years before the academy entrance date
May not have been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility
Will provide the department with a release for a criminal background investigation
Will sign a waiver of liability to participate in the program
Before you apply
What to Expect
How to Sign Up
Read all requirements and expectations before submitting your application. You can complete the application using the link on this page, or pick one up in person at the Beckley Police Department.
Participants can be any Beckley or Raleigh County resident, merchant or student aged 18 or over. A criminal history check is conducted to verify the information provided. New applicants are given priority over those who have graduated from a previous academy. Final acceptance to the academy is at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
Expectations for Participants
Participants are expected to be in the police department classroom on time and ready for class. Class starts promptly at 6:00 PM and ends at approximately 9:00 PM. If we run late and you have a commitment, feel free to leave. Students can miss no more than two classes, with good cause, and still graduate.
No dangerous or deadly weapons may be carried or concealed by students of the academy. Information shared with students may be regarded as confidential, so please do not pass on anything that may not be appropriate for the general public. We will ask you to evaluate the academy and its instructors so we can improve the program.
What the Academy Is Not
Completion of the course gives citizens an understanding of the workings of the Beckley Police Department. It does not make a participant a certified law enforcement officer, and it is not designed to train citizens to perform law enforcement duties.
Contact
Questions About the Academy
Reach out to the Community Services Officer with any questions.
Community Services Officer
Officer
Pfc. Adam Justice
Community Services Officer
Address
Beckley Police Department
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Apply in person
At the Beckley Police Department