Farmville Police Department Chief A. Q. “Andy” Ellington introduced the department’s newest officer to town council members during its monthly meeting on Jan. 8, noting that Officer Taylor P. Roberts graduated top of her class from the Central Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in Lynchburg.

According to Ellington officer Roberts received the Academic Distinction Award upon graduating the academy on Dec. 18.

“Officer Roberts is now the fourth Farmville police officer to receive this prestigious award. I cannot express how proud I am of her accomplishment. As a chief/coach, I feel as if we have received the No. 1 draft pick of 2019,” Ellington said.

The academic distinction award recognizes the long hours of study and effort by the student achieving the highest average initial score on all academic tests and the final exam.

“This graduating class received 23 tests, numerous quizzes, and a final exam with approximately 800 questions on various classroom subjects,” said Ellington.

According to Ellington, the basic law enforcement curriculum encompasses 910 hours of instruction conducted throughout 22 weeks. Classes cover a wide array of topics reflecting the complexity of modern-day law enforcement, such as criminal law, defensive tactics, report writing, officer survival, sexual harassment, first aid, defensive driving, hazardous materials, accident investigation, narcotics, crime scene investigation, crisis intervention and family violence.

Officer Roberts will now continue her training process by completing 12 weeks of field training with a certified field training officer.