The Citizen's Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement to promote increased trust and understanding through openness and education. The Academy allows participants to experience conditions similar to the training that deputies receive and exposes participants to the daily operational duties of deputies.

Deputies highlight their areas of expertise during the 10-week academy. Citizens also learn about the various divisions and functions, including crime scene investigation, evidence, patrol, shooting range, corrections, K9, SWAT, civil process, court security, and enforcement of criminal and traffic laws. Each academy member will experience firsthand situations to which deputies are routinely exposed and how each situation is handled. Participants also go through a certified firearms safety course and have the opportunity to conduct force-on-force training.

Academy participants must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Montgomery County, have no felony convictions, and have no misdemeanor arrests within one year of application.

• Enrollment is limited.
• One academy class is held a year.
• There is no cost to attend the academy, only a commitment to attend all required classes.

Apply to the Academy
Download Citizens Police Academy Application

Those interested in attending may call 540-382-6915 ext: 44510 or submit the application by dropping it off at the Sheriff's Office front desk, weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Applications may also be sent via mail, fax, or email.

Home Security Checks
The Sheriff's Office provides free security checks to Montgomery County citizens who will be away from their homes, businesses or other facilities for a period of time. Deputies will periodically check the exterior to deter potential burglars and provide additional security.

Requesting a Home Security Check
Citizens requesting a check will need to complete a standard security check form. This can be done over the phone or in person. The form lists information that the Patrol Deputies will need in order to provide special checks during the specified time period, up to 30 days.

Be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Phone number
• Reason for check
• Length of time of the checks
• Type of premises
• Is there an alarm system?
• Will any lights be on?
• Have keys been left with anyone? If so, the Sheriff's Office will also need their information.
• Will anyone have access to the premises? If so, who?
• In case of an emergency, do you wish to be notified? If so, the number is needed.

You will also need to call NRV911 at 540-382-4343 and let them know as soon as you return. If you need more information about security checks, contact NRV911 at
540-382-4343.

Business Security Survey
Crime Prevention Specialists can conduct security surveys for homes and businesses in Montgomery County, outside the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg (town residents may contact their local police department). This free survey helps to educate business and homeowners of potential weak spots that criminals often target. The survey also explains ideas for better lighting, landscaping and locking systems. Contact the Sheriff's Office by email or more information.

Resources
If your private school, business, or house of worship is looking for a model safety plan you may want to explore Standard Response Protocol from the i love u guys foundation. 

The Sheriff's Office is committed to preventing the tragic loss of life and devastating injuries caused by unrestrained passengers.  Increasing the use of seat belts and child safety seats are a priority. Traffic related crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 6-27. Wearing a safety belt triples your chances of surviving a crash.

Dangerous mistakes made when installing child safety seat:

• Rear facing infants in front seat with passenger side airbag
• Infant (under one year old and less than 20 pounds) facing front of vehicle
• Safety seat not anchored correctly by vehicle safety belt or latch
• Child not buckled in safety seat
• Safety seat harness straps in wrong slots
• Safety seat harness straps not over shoulders
• Loose harness straps
• Harness retainer clip not at armpit level
• Vehicle safety belt loose or in wrong belt path of safety seat
• Wrong size/type of safety seat for child

For specific details on installation of child safety seats, consult the manufacturer instructions. Make sure to send in your registration card to be notified in case your seat is recalled. For more information, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Additional child safety seat information is available on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or NTSA website.

The Sheriff's Office receives numerous calls from citizens who express concerns about motorists and pedestrians who fail to comply with traffic laws. The most common complaints are about speeding, failure to obey highway signs and reckless or intoxicated drivers.

Our traffic laws are designed with safety in mind. When tempered with proper consideration and adherence, most crashes, injuries, and tragedies can be avoided. Take the time to evaluate your own behavior behind the wheel and keep the following tips in mind:

• Obey the speed limit
• NEVER drive while impaired
• Virginia is hands free! No texting or talking on phones while the vehicle is in motion
• Always wear your safety belt!
• Give proper signals and don't make sudden changes in direction
• Don't be an aggressive driver
• MOVE OVER for emergency vehicles
• Never operate a vehicle when upset or angry
• Expect changes in road conditions during weather and rush hour
• Don't drive distracted

If you are walking or running, you can do your part to avoid incidents by:

• Walking on sidewalks when they are available
• If sidewalks aren't available, walk facing traffic on the shoulder
• Cross at corners or marked crosswalks
• Always look both ways twice before entering the roadway
• Wear bright clothing at night and walk in well lit areas
• Never allow children to play in the street

Traffic safety is everyone's responsibility. Thinking ahead, following the rules of safety and observing the law can help keep our streets safe for everyone and will save lives.

For more traffic safety information visit, Drive Smart Virginia.