Henrico Police accepting applications for 2026 Citizens, Senior Citizens police academies

The Henrico County Police Division is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 Citizens Police Academy and Senior Citizens Police Academy, two community education programs designed to give residents an inside look at local law enforcement operations and decision-making.

Both academies offer hands-on learning experiences led by Henrico Police personnel and are intended to strengthen understanding and trust between the police division and the community. Applications for both programs are due by Jan. 30.

The Citizens Police Academy will meet on Wednesdays from March 4 through May 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The program is open to Henrico County citizens ages 18 and older, county employees, and Henrico County Police Division volunteers and their family members.

The Senior Citizens Police Academy will meet on Tuesdays from March 3 through May 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eligibility is limited to Henrico County citizens ages 55 and older, county employees, and Henrico County Police Division volunteers and their family members.

Participants in both academies will receive an in-depth introduction to modern policing, including how crime scenes are processed by the department’s Forensics Unit, how officers make critical decisions using the use-of-force simulator, and how specialized units such as Aviation, Marine, K-9, and SWAT operate. Additional topics and demonstrations will be included throughout the sessions.

Applicants must be able to pass a criminal history check and a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles background check as part of the application process.

For the Citizens Police Academy, those interested in applying or seeking additional information can contact Heather Hodges, program coordinator, at HOD017@henrico.gov or (804) 501-5933.

For the Senior Citizens Police Academy, additional information is available through Michelle Tolliver, program coordinator, at TOL017@henrico.gov or (804) 501-4838.