Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is designed for selected community-oriented citizens. The CPA includes detailed information on police topics such as uniformed patrol, special investigations (i.e., vice and narcotics), crime scene investigation, SWAT, K9 and many other areas of interest. Also included in the curriculum is a tour of the police station and communications center. A firearms familiarization course is also covered one Saturday where participants will be given a chance to test their skills at the firing range.

This in-depth academy runs for fifteen (15) consecutive weeks with classes meeting every Thursday night from 6:30PM - 9:30PM. 

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. You do not have to reside within the city of Lakeland to be accepted.

Although graduates of the CPA are not prepared for street duties, they do have a better understanding of the Lakeland Police Department and a greater awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by Lakeland police officers each day.

The Lakeland Police Department is committed to fostering positive Citizen-Police interaction and cooperation. One effective way to achieve this goal is through citizen education into the philosophy of community-oriented policing. 

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or family status. Anyone requiring special accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 or persons that require translation services (free of charge) for participation should contact the City ADA Specialist, Jenny Sykes at (863) 834-8444, by Florida Relay at 711, or by email to jenny.sykes@lakelandgov.net.  Because providing reasonable accommodations may require outside assistance, the City asks that any request be made with as much notice as possible, preferably five (5) business days prior to the event, but no later than two (2) business days prior to the event.