FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2026
Lynchburg Police Department Announces 2026 Citizen’s Police Academy
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) is accepting applications for the 2026 Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA). The 10-week program begins Thursday, September 10, 2026, and runs through Thursday, November 12, 2026. Classes meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., primarily in the Community Room at LPD Headquarters, located at 3405 Odd Fellows Road.
The CPA is designed to provide community members with an in-depth look at LPD operations, departmental procedures, and the criminal justice system. While the academy does not train individuals to become police officers, participants will interact directly with command staff, officers, detectives, emergency communications officers, and professional staff. Topics covered include LPD’s mission and values, recruiting, criminal investigations, forensics, use of force, a K-9 demonstration, and more.
There is no fee to attend the academy, but space is limited. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and in good standing with the Lynchburg Police Department and our community partners. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to acceptance. Because each weekly session builds on the previous class, selected participants are expected to attend all 10 sessions. You do not need to be a resident of the City of Lynchburg to apply.
Interested applicants can download the form at https://www.lynchburgvapolice.gov/citizens-police-academy/. Completed applications must be turned in person to the LPD Information Desk at 3405 Odd Fellows Road between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications must be signed in the presence of a police department employee upon submission.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, September 4, 2026.
For questions regarding the Citizens Police Academy, please contact Cindy Kozerow at 434-455-6145 or Katie Jennings at 434-455-6169.
