photo collage of various police activities and community service

TPAPD Citizen Police Academy

Citizen Police Academy

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work in law enforcement, curious about how certain aspects of law enforcement are handled and why? If so, then join us for a live, up close and accurate view of police work by attending the Tampa International Airport Police Department's Citizen Police Academy. TPAPD is inviting you to join its hands-on Citizen Police Academy that truly takes you behind the scenes and shows you a part of the rigorous training that prepares Officers for their daily duties of protecting and serving the Tampa International Airport. The department holdsa spring and fall academy each year that consist of one evening session per week for eight continuous weeks. The eighth session is the graduation ceremony to recognize your efforts for participating in America’s favorite airport police department Citizen Police Academy.  Classes are approximately two hours each session. The program is free of charge.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Meet The Chief of Police and the command staff of TPAPD
  • Go behind the scenes of patrol operations
  • View a live TASER demonstration
  • Tour facilities of the airport and police department
  • Experience hands on firearms familiarization and weapon safety with certified firearms instructors
  • View a K9 demonstration and participate with a K9 handler
  • Complete our physical abilities test (Obstacle Course)
  • Learn about the history of policing in America
  • Experience hands on decision making scenarios
  • See specialty team demonstrations
  • Interactive Q & A Forums

Requirements:

  • Participants must be 18 years of age
  • Must sign an indemnity release
  • Must pass a background check
  • Must submit a completed application
  • Must participate in all scheduled academy sessions
  • Must be a resident of the greater Tampa Bay Area

All applications must be fully completed and will be processed in the order received. Incomplete or applications without waivers will not be processed.

Forms

If you would like to apply or have questions, please send the completed application and release or submit your questions to:  [email protected]

**Please Note** This program is designed to provide a "snapshot" of the day to day operations in law enforcement. It is not a college course or police academy and does not provide employment opportunities once completed.