Citizens Police Academy

REGISTER NOW: Our next Citizens Police Academy is scheduled for Feb. 5 to March 26, 2026. 

What is it?

The Fort Walton Beach Police Department's Citizens Police Academy consists of a series of 8 classes, held on Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Police Station. The instruction is comprehensive, covering different areas of the police department each week. Officers, supervisors, and personnel, among other local personalities, conduct each Instructional block.

Who may attend?

The minimum age for enrollment is 18 and you must live or work in Okaloosa County to be eligible to attend. This Course Is Free of Charge! To apply, contact Master Police Officer Marcus Montgomery at the link below.

The purpose

The Citizens Police Academy was created in order to provide enough information to the citizens who attend so that they may make informed judgments about the police department and police activity. It is further hoped that the instruction will increase police awareness, dispel suspicions and misconceptions, and increase police/community rapport. Members of the police department, in turn, become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through the students' interaction and input. It is, indeed, a two-way learning experience.

Course Topics

• Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Drug Investigations
• Undercover Operations, Community Policing, and Crime Scene Investigations
• Firearm Safety, Police Simulator, Ride Along, and more.
• For more information or for an application, contact Master Police Officer Montgomery at 850-833-9500 or Email Officer Montgomery.