The next Citizen's Police Academy is to be scheduled later this year. If you are interested in attending this session, please use the contact information provided below.

The Citizens Police Academy allows you to venture inside the Winter Park Police Department and experience the day to day operation. Citizens will have direct contact with the officers who are devoted to upholding the integrity and laws within the city.

The Academy gives you a look behind the badge so to speak at how real law enforcement works especially in Winter Park vs. T.V. and the movies. It consists of 12 weeks of learning combined with a fun and casual atmosphere. Classes run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm each consecutive Tuesday. There is no physical fitness requirement to attend.

All of the classes are held at the police department and each week a different topic presented by officers that work that assignment (i.e. traffic, K9, gangs, patrol, detectives, swat, etc). The classes build upon each other with information that ties everything together each week. You also learn about the use of force from handcuffing to chemical spray to batons and shooting. You are allowed to do a shoot-don’t shoot scenario to see what deadly force decisions are like and also be taught how to properly handle handguns and will actually have the opportunity to shoot department firearms if they so choose.

We strive for a lot of hands on activities and class interaction. We have never had any injuries or mishaps - we are very safety oriented. Part of this program will also include a ride-along with one of the department’s sworn police officers during an actual patrol shift. It is the next best thing to being an actual sworn officer.

After completing the academy you will come away with a new understanding of the officers who protect you. The Academy is open to all residents of the city of Winter Park, citizens who work in the city, and city employees.

Please contact Officer Steve McDaniel at 407-599-3455 for further information or to register for an upcoming Academy. You may also email him at smcdaniel@cityofwinterpark.org.

You must be at least 21 years of age and pass a criminal history check. The Police Department maintains the right to refuse acceptance to anyone.