FAQs • Victoria, TX • CivicEngage

What is the Civilian Police Academy?

Since 1994 the Victoria Police Department (VPD) has afforded its citizens an opportunity to experience our department in a fun and unique way. Through the Civilian Academy, citizens are exposed to many facets of law enforcement that have never been offered to citizens before.

The Civilian Police Academy is an 11-week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Victoria Police Department. It consists of a series of classes and discussions held once a week, on Tuesday evenings from 6 until 9 pm, and two Saturday mornings. Classes are free and are held once a year.

Graduates can continue their academy experience by joining the VPD Civilian Academy Alumni Association. The Alumni maintain close ties with the VPD and assist the department in various community programs and projects.

Helpful Resources

Learn more by calling our Community Engagment Unit at 361-485-3808.

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Police Community Engagement

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1. Can I get a Police Department speaker for Crime Prevention or some other topic?

The Victoria Police Department is always happy to provide a speaker for your event when possible. If you are interested in having a speaker for your organization or would like to request a course be offered for your organization email the Police Department or call 361-485-3808.

All courses are offered completely free of charge. Courses are scheduled and held periodically in the Community Room at Victoria Mall. Due to limited seating in the Community Room, we do ask that anyone planning to attend a course, register by calling the Community Engagement Unit.

Courses are also available upon request for civic organizations, churches, or businesses, that would like an officer to come to their location and deliver one of these courses.

Topics Available

Some of the topics offered are:

Active Crime Prevention
Avoiding Scams
Burglary Prevention (Residential Security)
Identity Theft Protection
Motor Vehicle Safety
Robbery Prevention

2. How do I contact the Police Department's Public Information Officer regarding News/Media Relations?: Lieutenant Eline Moya is currently designated as the Victoria Police Department (VPD) Public Information Officer for media releases. You can email the VPD Public Information Officer or you may call 361-485-3723.

3. What is Neighborhood Watch and how do I get one in my area of town?

Neighborhood Watch is much more than adding and using good locks. It is more of a state of mind or a level of awareness, because you are the extra eyes and ears to detect crime in your neighborhood. Criminals are always interested in where the police are. In a good Neighborhood Watch, criminals will also be leery of the homeowners because they know the homeowners are watchful and will be prepared to act by reporting to the police and their neighbors.

Our Crime Prevention Unit can let you know if there is already an established Neighborhood Watch in your area. If not, you can volunteer to be a Block Captain or Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.

Helpful Resources

For more information on Neighborhood Watch - contact 361-485-3808 or email our police officers.

4. What is the Civilian Police Academy?

Helpful Resources

Learn more by calling our Community Engagment Unit at 361-485-3808.

5. Can I get my children fingerprinted?

Periodically the Victoria Police Department Community Engagement Unit along with the Civilian Police Academy Alumni sponsor an event that includes child fingerprinting. The children are printed and the fingerprints (and sometimes footprints) are given to the parents to be kept in a safe place.

Helpful Resources

Call our Community Engagement Unit at the Training & Recruiting office located in Victoria Mall near the Food Court at 361-485-3808 for more information.

6. How can I get a home security survey and what's the purpose?

A Home Security Survey is an inspection of your home. The inspection will cover items such as type of lighting, doors, locks, and windows. You will learn what areas of your home need security improvements and how to make those improvements. Also the inspection may qualify you for a reduction in your home owner’s insurance premiums.