Release:

On Thursday, November 4, 2021, the Valdosta Police Department held a graduation ceremony for its 34th Citizen’s Police Academy. During the 10-week program, graduates learned a variety of topics to give them a more in-depth understanding of what Valdosta Police Officers are exposed to daily. The objective of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to give civilians a better understanding of the internal functions of a law enforcement agency and, at the same time promoting a relationship between the Valdosta Police Department and the citizens serve.

“It feels great to complete this program and learn more about the department. It helped me understand better what they encounter each day. They do their best to protect us, and this course opened my eyes to how stressful that job can be,” said CPA graduate Monica Allen.

Class participants were joined by friends, family, and VPD members Captain Robert Renfroe, Commander Matt O’Steen, Officer Randall Hancock, Commander Bernard Robinson, Sargent Sabrina Smith, and Becky Parker-Hall. Each graduate was presented with a Certificate of Graduation and VPD Coin presented by Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan.

Though the program was insightful to all, it had a deeper meeting to one participant. “We had a son that was an Officer with Valdosta Police Department who passed away in June of this year. He greatly enjoyed working here, and I wanted to show my support for the organization. In a small way, it makes me feel closer to my son to be able to do this,” said CPA graduate Robert Touchton.

The Valdosta Police Department will have its next Citizen’s Police Academy in Spring of 2022. Interested citizens may contact Officer Randall Hancock at 229-242-2606 for an application. The class is limited in size, and applicants are selected on a first-come basis. The CPA is given twice a year, there are no fees to attend, and all materials needed are provided free of charge.