Patrol Aide Program Graduates Six to Basic Recruit Academy 78

Six members of the Virginia Beach Police Department’s (VBPD) Patrol Aide Program joined Basic Recruit Academy 78 on Thursday, the most the program has ever graduated to a basic recruit class.

“Our Patrol Aide program is an incredible way to attract and expose talented people to a career in law enforcement,” said VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate. “We are thrilled to see the program having such a profound impact on our ability to recruit new officers to the department.”

The Patrol Aide Program is a part-time employment opportunity targeted towards individuals 18-to-21 years old that are interested in pursuing a career in policing. The program serves as a bridge to the academy, as basic recruits must be at least 20 years old to apply.

Patrol Aides serve in a variety of roles within the department, including providing administrative support, augmenting Community Service Officer staffing, and assisting staff and volunteers at special events, all while also receiving basic law enforcement training.

“Our Patrol Aides fulfill important roles across our department, but more importantly, many of them are the future of law enforcement within our community,” said VBPD Youth Services Unit Lt. Kevin Lokey. “These six individuals are proof that the Patrol Aide Program is successfully developing the next generation of police officers in Virginia Beach.”

Basic Recruit Academy 78 will last approximately 26 weeks, ending in July 2025.

Visit VBPD’s website to learn more about the department’s Patrol Aide Program.