VALDosTA —  The Valdosta Police Department said registration is officially open for the 41st session of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA), which will be held each Thursday night, April 17 through June 5, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

This action-packed, eight-week program is your opportunity to meet the men and women behind the badge, get hands-on experience, and discover how our department works to keep Valdosta safe.

From investigating crime scenes to meeting the K-9 unit (yes, there will be dogs!), each week brings a new adventure. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

• Patrol Operations – See how officers handle calls and keep the community safe.
• Criminal Investigations – Get the scoop on how detectives solve cases.
• K-9 Unit – Meet the four-legged officers and see them in action.
• Crime Scene Processing – Learn how evidence tells the story.
• Firearms Training Simulator – Test your decision-making skills in real-life scenarios.
• Ride-Along Experience – Hit the streets with a patrol officer.

A tour of the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Lab is included.

The academy is free; all materials are provided, and there are no fees to attend.

“This is a great opportunity for citizens to meet our officers and see everything our department has to offer,” said Police Chief Leslie Manahan.

Spots are limited. To secure a spot, contact Officer Randall Hancock at 229-293-3090 or email rhancock@valdostacity.com for an application. Participants are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.