News Flash

The Roanoke County Police Department, in partnership with the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department and the Western Virginia Regional Jail, holds a Public Safety Academy.  The goal of the Public Safety Academy is to educate citizens so that they can formulate responsible conclusions on public safety activities.

The 2026 Public Safety Academy begins February 3, 2026.

Sessions will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM every Tuesday.

Register Online | Registration will close on January 20th, 2026!

Summary of Topics to be Covered:

Police: Patrol, Budget, Community Service Officers (CSO), School Resource Officers (SRO), Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC), Use of Force, Traffic Unit, Firearms, K9, S.W.A.T., VICE, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), Evidence collection, Academy tour, Polygraph, and Active Shooter Response. 

Sheriff: Jail history, Jail tour, Jury selection, Court security, Civil process, Criminal law, E.R.T., Clerk of Court, Services, and A.V.O.I.D. self-defense.

Fire and Rescue: System overview, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), CPR and AED certification, Fire Marshall, Investigations, Inspections, Public Education, Hazmat, EMS, CPAT, Apparatus and Hose Streams, Technical Rescue and Haul Back Systems. 

Regional Jail: Facilities Tour

Roanoke County Emergency Communications Center and the Department of Wildlife Resources also provide presentations.

Requirements for Admission:

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older and no longer in High School.
• May not have any prior felony convictions or convictions of a Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor in the last five years, or four or more moving traffic violations within the last five years. 
• Submit to a Criminal History Check
• Register Online

To apply, contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator at 540-777-8651 or email crimeprevention@roanokecountyva.gov.