The Herndon Police Department is taking applications for the 18th session of the Herndon Citizen's Police Academy. 

The academy will be held from Sept. 6 through Nov. 15 and is designed to give area residents a better understanding of police operations in Herndon. Classes are conducted by Herndon Police officers and representatives from the Fairfax County Judicial System. 

Topics include criminal investigations, community policing, traffic enforcement, firearms training and gang activity among others. 

Sessions include both classroom presentations and hands-on, outdoor demonstrations of radar use, a tour of the Fairfax County jail, a trip to the firing range and the opportunity to ride with an officer on patrol. 

Applicants must be 19 years or older with no prior criminal record. They are not required to be Herndon residents, but Town of Herndon residents will receive first consideration.

Applications can be downloaded at the Town of Herndon's website by clicking here, and returned to the Herndon Police Department, 397 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170, or by contacting Officer Denise Randles at 703-435-6881, extension 2343, or by email at denise.randles@herndon-va.gov.