Youth Police Academy

Each June, the Sheriff's Office offers our county's rising 9th through 12th graders the opportunity to attend a 5-day academy to learn about the law enforcement agency in their county.  The 2023 Youth Citizen's Police Academy will take place June 26 - 30, 2023. Please return applications by May 26, 2023 to:

  • the deputy assigned to the student's school or 
  • soinq@hanovercounty.gov or 
  • Hanover County Sheriff's Office, PO Box 40, Hanover, VA 23069.

For those students wishing to participate in the Youth Citizen's Police Academy but are unable to make the week in June, another session will be held July 31 - August 4, 2023. Please return applications by June 30, 2023 to:

       º   soinq@hanovercounty.gov or

       º   Hanover County Sheriff's Office, PO Box 40, Hanover,               VA 23069.

Schedule & Location

Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and takes place at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters, the Sheriff's Office firing range located on Courtland Farm Road and other off-site locations where transportation is provided by the Hanover County Sheriff's Office.
 
 Throughout the academy, participants learn about the how's and why's of police work such as:

  • Crime Scene Investigations
  • Functions of specialized units such as Narcotics, Forensics, Dive Team, and Unmanned Ariel Systems (Drones)
  • Traffic Safety
  • Traffic Stops
  • Youth Services



YCPA 2015

Hands-on Exercises

Students will have the opportunity for hands-on exercises with the final day spent at the Sheriff's Office firing range with presentations by the department's special units such as:
  • High Risk Entry (HRET)
  • Hostage Negotiation
  • K-9 demonstrations
The day will culminate with a picnic for the students and their families.

Law Enforcement Cadet Program

Since 2005, HCSO has hosted 13 YCPA sessions, with approximately 250 county youth having attended. Participating in the YCPA is a great way for youth to communicate with officers, learn about our Law Enforcement Cadet Program and possibly spark an interest in law enforcement as a career.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must be in good standing with their respective school, be a resident of Hanover County and have no criminal background. If you would like more information on the YCPA or to request an application, please email soinq@hanovercounty.gov or see the deputy assigned to your school.