For Immediate Release

April 7, 2022

Contact: Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist

[email protected]

The Ventura Police Community Academy returns

with over 30 participants!

Ventura, Calif. — For the first time since 2018, the Ventura Police Department welcomed back its popular Community Academy, a 10-week program designed to strengthen community partnerships and increase transparency.

During the first class on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, participants enjoyed a welcome from Police Chief Darin Schindler and meeting VPD’s Command staff as well as other program participants.

“We are constantly striving to provide the highest quality service and after four years of absence due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to bring back our community academy in continuance of our commitment to enhancing police and community collaboration,” said Police Chief Darin Schindler. “It’s my hope that by opening our doors and demystifying police operations, we can work together to make Ventura a safer community.”

With 31 community members selected, the 2022 Community Academy includes a diverse mix of residents and business owners of many generations, backgrounds, and careers, representing each of Ventura’s seven districts.

“I joined this program to help bring the voice of my community forward and solve problems through collaboration,” said Ventura resident Helen Eloyan, Revitalization Committee Chair for the Westside Community Council. “I am also very much looking forward to identifying partnership opportunities to help meet our community needs.”

In the 10-week academy, classes are taught by Ventura Police officers, dispatchers, and professional staff. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, express concerns, and offer feedback. The goal is to create greater awareness and understanding of the law enforcement’s role in the community through education and engagement provided by the Community Academy.

For more information, the class outline, or questions about the Ventura Police Community Academy, please call 805-339-4312 or visit

www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/CommunityAcademy.

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