Northern Virginia high school girls, including students in the Vienna area, can apply for a free weeklong law enforcement program this summer that includes hands-on exposure to patrol operations, crime scene investigations and the department's helicopter division.

The Fairfax County Police Department's "Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement" program runs Monday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at the Fairfax County Public Safety Headquarters, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. Applications are due by Wednesday, July 22, according to the FCPD's official program page. Families should confirm the deadline by calling 703-246-3332, as an earlier department blog post listed a different date.

The program is open to all Northern Virginia high school-age girls entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade during the 2026-2027 school year. Public, private, and home-schooled students are all eligible. Class size is limited.

What students will learn

The five-day curriculum covers patrol operations, crime scene investigations, the recruiting process and career opportunities in law enforcement, leadership skills and the department's helicopter division. Students will also meet and network with women leaders from across the FCPD.

The department describes the program as a chance to "explore what it takes to become a police officer and skills you will learn in the police academy."

How to apply

The application is available as a PDF on the Fairfax County Police Department's website. Families can reach the program office at 703-246-3332 or [email protected]. For transportation assistance, contact Captain Deanna Weand at [email protected]. The department offers transportation help on a case-by-case basis.

The program is free.

It is one of several free FCPD summer youth programs. The Teen Police Academy, open to rising 10th through 12th graders of all genders, runs Monday, July 13 through Thursday, July 17. The Police Leaders of Tomorrow program serves young adults ages 18 to 24.

Residents with questions can also email [email protected].