Citizen Police Academy
Since its inception in 1998, the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) has graduated 50 classes with over 1,400 graduates.
The Citizen's Police Academy is a 12-week session that meets at the Police Station every Thursday night from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Two academy sessions are held each year in January and July. Participants are treated to many action-packed presentations highlighting the major divisions and sections within the organization.
Session 51
Jacksonville Beach Citizen Police Academy – Class 51
January 8 – April 2, 2026 | Thursday Nights | 6:30–9:30 PM
Jacksonville Beach Police Department | 101 Penman Road South
Step into the real world of policing!
The Jacksonville Beach Police Department invites residents to participate in Class 51 of the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) — and discover what it's really like to serve and protect your community and find answers to common questions about law enforcement. We open the doors and shine a light on every aspect of the police department. Over 12 weeks, participants will experience everything from ride-alongs and crime scene investigations to SWAT demonstrations and firearms safety training. The academy offers a unique opportunity to see law enforcement from the inside out. It's not what you see on TV — it's the real deal. Come learn about the people and operations that keep Jacksonville Beach safe. After graduation, volunteer opportunities exist.
Program Details:
- Dates: January 8 – April 2, 2026
- Time: Thursdays, 6:30–9:30 PM
- Location: Jacksonville Beach Police Department, 101 Penman Road South
- Cost: $25 (includes a CPA shirt, notebook, and all activities)
- Seats: Limited to 28 participants
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
Graduates of the Citizen Police Academy are encouraged to stay involved through volunteer opportunities with the department and City events.
Apply Today!
Submit your completed application and $25 registration fee (cash, check, or money order) by December 19, 2025 to:
Sergeant Tonya Tator
c/o Jacksonville Beach Police Department
101 Penman Road South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
For questions, contact Sgt. Tator at 904-247-6193.
Click here for the CPA 51 Application.
Click here for the CPA 51 Announcement.
Class Presentations
Class presentations are done by Officers who are members of the:
- Detectives Unit
- Evidence Technicians Team
- K-9 Team
- Narcotic Detective Team
- Patrol Unit
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team
- Traffic and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Unit
- Communications Team
- Downtown CAPE
- Taser/Defense Tactics
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on activities include:
- 4 hours at an outdoor gun range using officers' guns (including semi-auto and fully automatic weapons)
- Dusting for fingerprints with evidence technicians
- Ride along with a patrol officer during a patrol shift
- Segway Ride with Downtown CAPE
The cost to attend is only $25.
Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association
Graduates of the Citizen Police Academy formed an Alumni Association (Citizen Police Academy 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, data entry, and much more. Currently, there are over 50 members of the CPAAA who volunteer over 5,000 hours of time each year.
To learn more about the Citizen Police Academy, contact the Police Volunteer Coordinator.