What are the opening hours?

Monday 7am - 6pm Tuesday 7am - 6pm Wednesday 7am - 6pm Thursday 7am - 6pm Friday 7am - 6pm

Vermont Police Academy

Home
United States
Pittsford, VT
Vermont Police Academy

The Vermont Police Academy is responsible for Basic and in-service training for VT Law Enforcement.

08/27/2026

The Vermont Police Academy would like to congratulate retired Lt. Jim Roy of the Colchester Vermont Police Department ( pictured center ) on receiving the Richard “Dick” Studdard Drug Recognition Expert award at the IACP Impaired Driving and Traffic safety conference in Anaheim California.

The recognition is awarded to formerly certified DREs who have served the goals of the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program with the highest level of integrity, demonstrated advanced knowledge and skill, and made exceptional and sustained contributions to the DEC Program. This honor is reserved for individuals whose accomplishments are well-documented and who are no longer eligible to maintain active DRE certification due to retirement, promotion, or reassignment.

Jim’s outstanding contributions have not only helped guide and grow Vermont’s DEC Program, but has made an impact across the United States and beyond. Jim also continues to be involved in Vermont’s DEC Program as an adjunct instructor, course manager and expert witness.

Jim’s efforts continue to keep Vermont’s DRE program at the front of training excellence

08/08/2026

The Vermont Police Academy welcomes the members of the 122nd Basic Training Class as they begin their 17-week journey toward becoming Vermont law enforcement officers.

From day one, the recruits have been challenged. They began their training in the heat and humidity of a Vermont summer, learning quickly that success at the Academy is earned through discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Long training days, demanding academics, and more than a little remedial physical training have already tested their commitment and resolve.

Every officer starts with a day one.

08/07/2026

The Vermont Police Academy extends its sincere gratitude and appreciation to Colonel Matthew Birmingham of the Vermont State Police on his retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the State of Vermont. During his distinguished career, Colonel Birmingham served the last 11 years in leadership, guiding the agency with professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.

The Vermont State Police are valued partners in law enforcement training across our state. Through their Office of Professional Development, which is co-located at the Vermont Police Academy, they play an integral role in recruit preparation and academy training. The agency's continued support through instructors, training assistants, and subject matter expertise is essential to the success of every academy class.

Throughout his tenure, Colonel Birmingham has been a strong supporter of the Vermont Police Academy and our shared mission of preparing and certifying Vermont's law enforcement officers.

On behalf of the Vermont Police Academy, we congratulate Colonel Birmingham on his well-earned retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service. We wish him every success, happiness, and fulfillment in the years ahead.

07/23/2026

Now Hiring: Law Enforcement Certification & Training Coordinator

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) Police Academy is seeking a qualified Law Enforcement Certification & Training Coordinator to support statewide law enforcement training initiatives. This position plays a key role in the oversight, coordination, and continued development of Vermont's Level II Certification Program and Field Training Officer (FTO) program. Working as part of the Academy's training team, the Law Enforcement Certification & Training Coordinator (LECTC) will help administer these programs, collaborate with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, and support the delivery of consistent, high-quality training that prepares officers for successful careers in law enforcement.

This position is based in Pittsford, VT and the hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM with a minimum of one (1) overnight expected, but more will be required depending on the needs of training staff and the size of the incoming class. Some travel will be necessary and required to facilitate training in various locations throughout the state and nationally. Certification, or eligibility for certification, as a Level III Vermont Law Enforcement Officer is required.

The Vermont Criminal Justice Council and Vermont Police Academy are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourage women, minorities, veterans and members of other underrepresented communities to apply.

07/13/2026

VT Trains LEO’s to Detect Cannabis-Impaired Driving with Innovative Workshops
As cannabis use becomes more common, VT law enforcement agencies are working to ensure officers have the tools and training necessary to identify impaired drivers and improve safety on VT’s roads. VT crash data shows crashes involving drivers suspected of having only cannabis in their system increased from 13 crashes and 3 fatalities in 2021 to 20 crashes and 4 fatalities in 2025. Overall, impaired driving remains a significant threat on VT roadways, contributing to approx. 51% of highway fatalities. In 2025, the VPA was awarded a $20,000 grant from Responsibility.org and the Governors Highway Safety Association to provide specialized training on cannabis impairment detection for Vermont law enforcement officers. VT conducted its first controlled cannabis impairment detection workshop in Nov. 2025, and a second workshop in June 2026. The VPA partnered with Extract-ED, a nationally recognized organization specializing in cannabis impairment detection training. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, the workshops provide officers with the opportunity to observe and evaluate real volunteers who have consumed cannabis in a controlled environment. During the training, volunteers participate in two separate controlled cannabis consumption sessions and are evaluated by law enforcement officers after each session. Officers administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement assessments developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Volunteers also complete oral fluid testing to compare observed impairment with THC levels present in their systems. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent, it is essential that VT law enforcement officers receive evidence-based training that prepares them to recognize impairment while protecting the rights and safety of everyone on our roadways. This training reflects our commitment to providing officers with the best available education and ensuring they are equipped to respond professionally, objectively, and effectively.

07/06/2026

Congratulations to Officer Nicholas Kandra and K9 Hex!

The Vermont Police Academy is proud to congratulate Officer Nicholas Kandra and K9 Hex of the South Burlington Police Department on their successful completion of the 2026 Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) Police Canine Patrol School.

Over the course of 16 weeks of intensive, full-time training, Officer Kandra and K9 Hex developed the knowledge, skills, and teamwork necessary to function as an effective police canine patrol team. The comprehensive curriculum included tracking and trailing, advanced obedience and control, building searches, suspect apprehension, handler protection, evidence and article detection, tactical deployment, and other real-world patrol applications designed to prepare K9 teams for the demands of law enforcement.

Through the 560 hours of training, Officer Kandra and Hex demonstrated the discipline, professionalism, and commitment required to earn their VCJC Patrol Canine Certification. They now join the ranks of certified police canine teams prepared to provide an invaluable public safety resource to the South Burlington community.

The success of the VCJC Police Canine Patrol School reflects the Academy's ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, standards-based training for Vermont's law enforcement canine teams. Through experienced instruction and realistic, performance-based training, the program prepares handlers and their canine partners to serve their communities safely, effectively, and professionally.

To learn more about the Vermont Criminal Justice Council's Police Canine Program, including upcoming certification schools and registration opportunities, visit vcjc.vermont.gov/canine-certification.

05/29/2026

The Vermont Police Academy proudly announces the graduation of the 121st Basic Training Class!

Since beginning training on February 2, 2026, these recruits have completed 17 weeks of rigorous academic, physical, and practical instruction in preparation for careers in Vermont law enforcement. Throughout the program, the 121st class demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and a strong commitment to public service.

Please join us in congratulating the members of the 121st Basic Training Class as they begin their law enforcement careers with integrity, dedication, and honor.

We extend our appreciation to Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark for administering the Oath of Office and helping mark this significant milestone.

05/28/2026

Today, the Vermont Police Academy pauses to honor and remember Sgt. Ron Audet — a longtime colleague, mentor, and friend whose impact on this institution and the law enforcement community will never be forgotten.
Ron was a graduate of the 72nd Basic Class while serving as a Deputy with Lamoille County. He also served as a Vermont Fish & Wildlife Deputy Warden and later as a Sergeant with Morristown Police Department. Since the 91st Full-Time Basic Academy in 2011, Ron faithfully served as a training assistant, dedicating countless hours to helping shape and mentor future law enforcement officers.
Ron brought professionalism, humor, patience, and a genuine commitment to the success of every recruit he worked with. His absence is deeply felt throughout the Academy community, but his legacy lives on in the officers he helped guide, encourage, and prepare for service.
On behalf of the Vermont Police Academy, we remember Sgt. Ron Audet with great respect, appreciation, and gratitude.
Rest easy, Sgt. Audet. Your service and dedication will not be forgotten.

05/07/2026

Congratulations to Vermont Drug Recognition (DRE) Expert School #11, who successfully completed all phases of their training last week in Jacksonville, Florida. Six new DREs received their certification and will now be available to serve their communities and other partner agencies to conduct drug influence evaluations on suspected drug drivers and make our roadways safer!

Thank you to our outstanding instructors and the Vermont Highway Safety Office for making this training possible.

There are now 50 certified DREs located across Vermont.

Pictured are the six new DREs and audit students from the DRE School (L to R); Officer Cameron Turner (Brattleboro PD), Trooper Shawn Morrow (VSP - Williston), Julia Wolchko (Rutland County State’s Attorney’s Office), Trooper Adam Martin (VSP - St. Albans), Mahagani Thomas (Vermont Forensic Laboratory), Trooper Anthony Rice (VSP - Derby), Trooper James Guillaume (VSP - Westminster), Officer Patric Saad (Swanton PD).

04/24/2026

Don’t miss out on FBI-LEEDA's Managing and Conducting Internal Affairs Investigations course, hosted by the VPA in Pittsford, VT from 6/22/2026 to 6/26/2026! The course is a 4 1/2-day seminar dedicated to best practices for effective internal control mechanisms. This training aims to promote enhanced agency accountability within the context of ongoing police reform.

Register now: https://fbileeda.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1981682

Address

317 Academy Road--Main Building
Pittsford, VT
05763

Opening Hours

Monday	7am - 6pm
Tuesday	7am - 6pm
Wednesday	7am - 6pm
Thursday	7am - 6pm
Friday	7am - 6pm

Telephone

+18024836228

Website

http://vcjc.vermont.gov/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Vermont Police Academy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Vermont Police Academy:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Pittsford?