Since its inception in 1988, the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) has graduated 29 classes with over 800 attendees. The CPA provides an opportunity for citizens and officers alike to come together in a relaxing and interactive atmosphere to learn more about the “inner workings” of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. Participants are treated to many media packed presentations highlighting the major divisions and sections within the organization. They will be able to hold and interact with a lot of tactical gear used by police officers. They will receive highly charged presentations from officers who are members of the:

• Patrol unit;
• Detective squad;
• Narcotic detective squad;
• SWAT Team;
• Evidence Technicians squad;
• K-9 team;
• Traffic and DUI unit

Some extra presentations are given on:

• A real life cold case homicide;
• A real major crime scene incident from beginning to finish; and
• Criminal sexual offenders.

Attendees go to the gun range use officers’ guns (including semi-auto and fully automatic weapons). They dust for fingerprints with evidence technicians, and ride along with a patrol officer during a patrol shift.

Presentations are given during a 12-week academy session that meets every Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Two academy sessions are held each year and begin on the second Thursday in January and July. Attendees receive a customized CPA logo polo shirt and handout materials. The cost to attend is only $25 and is due at the time of registration.

Download the Citizen Police Academy Application

Ride-Along Program Application

Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association

Graduates of the Citizen Police Academy formed an Alumni Association (CPAAA) to continue their association with and support for the police department. Their assistance has been invaluable to the department. Members continue their education about the department by attending training sessions during their monthly meetings. They volunteer for activities such as the Kids Halloween and Christmas Parties, assistance at various festivals, fingerprinting, Kids Fishing Rodeo, data entry, and vehicle maintenance. Currently, there are over 200 members of the CPAAA who volunteer an average of 11,000 to 12,000 hours of time each year.

To learn more about the Citizen Police Academy contact the Police Volunteer Coordinator. 

Learn more about the Alumin Association at http://jbcpaaa.org/index.html

Download the Citizen Police Academy Application

Ride-Along Program Application