Citizens' Police Academy

The Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) is an informative learning process that provides an opportunity for citizens to receive 9 weeks of both classroom and field instruction regarding the various responsibilities facing our officers. CPA attendees are also made aware of the procedures and techniques used by officers in a variety of scenarios, together with the rationale and justification in support of those procedures or techniques

Class attendees receive information and instruction on such issues as use of force, defensive tactics, narcotics enforcement, special operations, criminal investigations, crime lab and evidence gathering techniques, demonstrations by the TAC Team and K-9 Unit, and much more. All of this is enhanced by their opportunity to ride along with an officer and engage in target practice with some of the department's specialized weapons.

The academy was formed in June, 1994. Classes are held three times per year, starting in January, April, and September. Class size is limited to no more than 24 attendees and the fact that we can accommodate only 25% of the applicants is a testament to the success and popularity of the program.

2013 CPA Class Schedule

CPA57 / April 2 - May 21
  • April 2 - Opening Night
  • April 9 - Taser/SRT
  • April 16 - Traffic
  • April 23 - K-9
  • April 26/27 - Patrol Ride Along
  • April 30 - Forensics
  • May 7 - Use of Force
  • May 9 - TAC Demo
  • May 14 - Narcotics/Gang
  • May 21 - Graduation
CPA58 / September 3 - October 22
  • September 3 - Opening Night
  • September 10 - Taser/SRT
  • September 17 - Traffic
  • September 24 - K-9
  • September 27/28 - Patrol Ride Along
  • October 1 - Forensics
  • October 8 - Use of Force
  • October 10 - TAC Demo
  • October 15 - Narcotics/ Gang
  • October 22 - Graduation

Would you like to enroll?

Applicants:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must provide the information necessary for a criminal background check
  • Must work or live in the Tallahassee/Leon County area
  • Must be able to commit to attending all classes
  • There is no charge to participate in the academy

Apply Online Here!

Download Application Here!

Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA)

The Tallahassee Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association was organized by graduates of TPD's Citizens' Police Academy during the Fall and Winter of 1999. Its purposes are "to promote the Citizens' Police Academy continuing education/training, to support the continued growth and development of the Citizens' Police Academy, and to participate in activities that contribute to the well-being of the community." General meetings are held quarterly, with annual meetings held each January. There are four principal project committees: Awards/Social Functions, Community Relations, Fund-raising, and Training/Technology.

For more information, follow this link: www.tcpaaa.org