2025 Citizen Police Academy

Do you want a firsthand look into the Ocala Police Department's day-to-day operations? Then join our Citizen Police Academy! This exciting opportunity allows citizens to learn about all of the departments within the agency, as well as participate in various law enforcement activities, including patrol operations, use of force simulator, criminal investigations, forensics, and more.

The academy is six weeks and runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 13. It's on Monday nights from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the police headquarters.

The application deadline is Aug. 30. All participants must be at least 21 years of age and currently reside in or own a business in Ocala/Marion County. Participants must also attend a minimum of five sessions to successfully complete this program. Space is limited and is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For more information, please contact our Community Liaison, Tara Woods, at twoods@ocalapd.gov.

Click here to apply! Please, complete the application and email it to twoods@ocalapd.gov.