George Mason Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’

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On a quiet Tuesday evening on George Mason University's Fairfax Campus, Police Chief Carl Rowan addressed a group at the Police and Safety Headquarters, praising a community member who took extraordinary action to help victims in a crisis.

Those listening were participants in George Mason's Citizen's Police Academy, who were learning about DUI enforcement that night. Each week of the 10-week program highlighted a different part of police work, building connections between the George Mason Police Department and the community it serves.

George Mason University Citizen's Police Academy. Photo by Emily Ross/George Mason Police

After witnessing an on-campus motor vehicle collision caused by an impaired driver, said Rowan, the attending community member offered aid and comfort to injured victims.

"He remained with those in need and provided assistance until emergency responders arrived," said Rowan. "In recognition of his selfless actions and exemplary service to others during a critical incident, the George Mason University Police Department proudly presents this Citizen Service Award."

This moment was a glimpse into the magnitude of topics covered at the Citizen's Police Academy, which brings law enforcement and community members together to make the university a safe place to learn, live, and work.

Participants practiced speed enforcement on campus. Photo by Emily Ross/George Mason Police

Citizen's police academies are popular in communities nationwide. The inaugural program at George Mason was open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Sessions covered a range of topics, including professional standards for law enforcement; visits to the local jail and firing range; presentations about victim services, mental health, and forensic science; demonstrations from units like the Special Response Team (SRT), K-9, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones; and more. Guest speakers from local law enforcement agencies also participated, highlighting how different agencies collaborate and rely on each other.

"I have found our Citizen's Police Academy to be a gamechanger in allowing our police staff to interact with our community on a much deeper level and gain a mutual comfort outside day-to-day routine law enforcement services," said Assistant Chief Emily Ross, who led the program. "As a result, we have learned so much about our community: their values, perceptions, needs, and ideas."

The inaugural cohort included nine faculty and staff, two students, and one parent of a current George Mason student.

Participants took a ride in the George Mason Police Department's tactical vehicle. Photo provided

Etlin Elainna Flores, community director in Housing and Residence Life, applied for the program because she was interested in meeting campus partners and learning more about different aspects of law enforcement.

"The most memorable part was when we got to ride in the armored truck," said Flores.

Building relationships with the community is a critical part of police work. The program goes far beyond what any open house, community event, or transactional interaction could accomplish, according to Ross.

"While those one-time and periodic recurring collaborations are beneficial to police-community relations, this program brings together police departments and their communities in a much deeper way," said Ross.

George Mason Police K-9 unit demonstration. Photo by Emily Ross/George Mason Police

Participants heard firsthand accounts of the experiences of law enforcement officers and gained insights into the demands of the job.

"Even though I knew this going into the Citizen's Police Academy, I'm continually surprised by the complexity of the job," said Justin Ramsdell, professor in the Department of Psychology. "Aside from the natural difficulties that arise when it's one's job to deal with people having a 'bad day' due to victimization, mental illness, or arrest, there are also so many laws and regulations that govern one's professional behavior."

For a law enforcement officer, every step of the criminal process-from arrest to booking, investigation, case preparation, and ultimately testifying in court-can affect the outcome of a case. Apart from criminal processes, the program also taught participants about the planning, preparedness, and training that are required in law enforcement.

DUI enforcement demonstration. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

"Week after week, the program deepened my appreciation for the complexity of public safety and reinforced the importance of mutual understanding across the university and the broader community," said Jen Flammia, office manager and assistant to the dean in the Office of Admissions. "It gave me a clearer view of the work that happens behind the scenes and the thought, preparation, and coordination involved in keeping a campus community safe."

This is exactly the result Ross was hoping for when she started the program.

"My hope is to humanize the badge and instill increased confidence in our community members in their roles as advocates in helping connect others with their local law enforcement," said Ross. "As a result of the program, they all have a deeper knowledge to provide guidance to victims and survivors of crimes and those who are fearful of police or hesitant to reach out for help on their own."

Citizen's Police Academy members got a close-up look at police drones. Photo by Emily Ross/George Mason Police

Back at the Police and Safety Headquarters, the class went out to the parking lot for a demonstration of roadside DUI enforcement, including field sobriety tests and handheld preliminary breath test (PBT) machines. After the demonstration, the group gathered and reflected on the information they had learned.

As the session ended, a call came through the radio. Two officers quickly got into their patrol cars to respond to an incident on west campus.

"Can I come along?" one of the participants asked. After an affirmative response, he hopped into the back seat for a ride along. The night's lesson was not over yet.

The George Mason Citizen's Police Academy will continue in fall 2026, and applications are available to join the next cohort.

Field trip to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Photo provided

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