By Jake Burns
VCU Police

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department will celebrate the graduation of the 50th VCU Police Academy class on Friday, July 11, alongside university, local and regional partners.

VCU Police is the only campus law enforcement agency in Virginia that operates an independent police academy, training prospective law enforcement officers to meet the highest level of professional and ethical standards. Completion of the 22-week intensive training earns recruits certification with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (upon completion of field training).

“This graduating class is special – both for their personal journey and what this milestone means for our department,” VCU Police Chief Clarence T. Hunter Jr. said. “Generations of law enforcement professionals got their start here at VCU. We challenge this class – and future ones – to uphold the standards of honor, professionalism and integrity set by the 49 classes before them.”

Since 1979, the VCU Police Academy has trained law enforcement officers for service beyond VCU, including with the Department of Defense, other campus law enforcement agencies in Virginia and local sheriffs’ offices across the region.

The seven recruits who graduate in the 50th academy class will all serve with VCU Police upon graduation.

WHAT: 50th VCU Police Academy graduation ceremony

WHEN: Friday, July 11, 2025, beginning at 5 p.m.

WHERE: VCU College of Health Professions (auditorium), 900 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA

WHO: VCU Police leadership and graduates from the 50th class will be available for interviews following the ceremony.

Media covering this event and milestone should contact Jake Burns, VCU Police public information officer, by noon Friday, July 11.