The Community Academy is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships.
The Ventura Police Department is now accepting applications for the next Community Academy open to Ventura residents and business owners. The academy can accommodate 30 participants and the deadline to apply is Saturday, December 31, 2021.
The Community Academy is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and increase transparency. This free program will take participants on a patrol ride-along, provide interactive trainings, showcase hands-on activities that provide an inside look at local policing, and much more. Each night features a new topic with different speakers, demonstrations, and discussions.
“The feedback provided by residents after our most recent Community Academy was overwhelmingly positive,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “They advocated for an annual program and we’ve listened. It’s my hope that we continue to listen, learn, and collaborate to make Ventura even safer.”
The Community Academy, set to begin on March 1, 2023, will be held on 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a final class and graduation on May 3, 2023. Nine classes will be held at the Ventura Police Department. The session on March 22, 2023, will be held at the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center in Camarillo.
To be eligible for the Ventura Police Community Academy applicants must:
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
- Live or own a business in the City of Ventura
- Pass a criminal background check with no misdemeanor convictions in the past two years and no felony convictions
- Participate in an in-person interview process
- Commit to attending all sessions
Interviews are expected to occur in late January and those accepted will be notified in early February.
To learn more or apply for the 2023 Ventura Police Community Academy, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/CommunityAcademy.
