Programs designed to assist our youth and intended to keep our youth out the system, and if they do enter the system, to assist them in reformation and recovery.

TPD Cadet Program

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? If so, the TPD Cadet program is for you! The Cadet Program is open to individuals between the ages of 14 – 21 who are enrolled in school. The program begins with a 40-hour academy and offers continuous learning opportunities year-round.

Cadets also:

• Go on four ride-alongs per month - Ride-alongs allow cadets to go on a TPD Patrol Officer's shift and observe what a TPD Officer does daily.
• Receive scenario-based law enforcement training - Every year, the Florida Association of Police Explorers (FAPE) hosts a state competition. At each competition, about 40 Explorer Posts compete in law enforcement-based scenarios. The different scenarios include: Active Shooter, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Traffic Stop, Crisis Intervention, First Aid, Crime Scene, Search & Arrest, and Physical Agility Test. Throughout the year, training is provided on these specific topics, as well as Officer Safety and basic Legal Guidelines.
• Help out at volunteer events - The TPD Cadets work traffic control and parking for many City and private organization events, including Springtime Tallahassee, Winter Festival, the Red Hills Triathlon, Heart Walk, March of Dimes and many more.

Requirements:

• Members must be 14-21 years of age (if 14 years of age, must be in 9th grade)
• Have never been convicted of felony and no more than one conviction for misdemeanor
• Complete and turn in membership information sheet & participation consent form
• Pass a background check and be approved by the Cadet's Officer Board
• Additional requirements

Application and Additional Forms:

Application Form
Media Release Form

For more information, please email Sgt. Alwine at evan.alwine@talgov.com.

Youth Citizens Advisory Council

TPD established its Youth Citizens Advisory Council (YCAC) in 2020 to help enhance the flow of communication between local youth and the department. Together, TPD and the YCAC work together on current issues concerning youth and engage in positive, solution-oriented dialogue. The information flow between youth and the police department is critical as it promotes trust and understanding between officers and local youth while establishing broad-based support for the overall safety of our community.

The council also participates in community service projects.

The YCAC is currently comprised of 51 residents from all areas of Tallahassee.

Members are asked to serve at least one-year terms. They must be between the ages of 13 and 17, attend a school or educational program in the TPD service area and be in good standing, be in grades 7 – 12, and obtain parental permission.

YCAC meetings are typically held on the second Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Walker-Ford Community Center, 2301 Pasco Street. As meetings are subject to change, please contact Deputy Chief Maurice Holmes (contact info below) to verify dates and times.

If you have questions about the Youth Citizens Advisory Council, please call Deputy Chief Holmes at 850-891-4267 or email maurice.holmes@talgov.com.

Meetings are typically held the second Saturday of the month at the Tallahassee Police Department.

RADKids

RadKIDS - Personal Empowerment Safety Program, (Resisting Aggression Defensively), is a program to provide educational opportunities for children and parents concerning awareness and personal safety strategies, instilling confidence, and reducing the possibility of adverse physical control or harm. For more information, please visit the RADKids website.

This is a fun class offered, at no charge by the Tallahassee Police Department Community Relations Unit, to children ages 7-12. We request that parents attend the first day. Classes will be held at various locations. Please call to confirm the location(s). While the simulations are voluntary, students must commit to attending all four days of the class. To receive a certificate, the child must be in attendance for a total of 10 hours, which is spread out through four days. Each class is limited to 20 students.

2024 Program

Dates: March 11 – 15th from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Location: 4075 Esplanade Way, Rm 166

Registration

It is important to register early so permission slips can be completed. Call or email the Tallahassee Police Department's Community Relations Unit, 850-891-4251.

Manual and Forms (PDF)

• Family Safety Manual - Comprehensive information about the RADKids program.

Please download, complete, and submit forms below upon registration

• Class Rules
• Wellness Form
• Consent Form

Remember only 20 students are accepted per class. All classes are held at the Tallahassee Police Department at 234 7th Avenue and are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances.

Police Athletic League

The Tallahassee Police Athletic League is a not for profit, 501(c) 3, juvenile crime prevention program operated by the Tallahassee Police Department and a board of directors. The goal of TAL PAL is to team young persons, aged 7-17, with police officers and other caring individuals within our community. This is accomplished through recreation and educational programs in order to foster long-term, positive relationships through mentorship.

TAC Students

During the five day program, students will have these interactive classes: Decision-Making, Defining Relationships, Planning for the Future, and Becoming a Leader. During the final day students will attempt to solve a mock crime scene investigation, where they play the role of police officers, investigators, forensic technicians, dispatchers, and public information officers.

The Inspiration

Tallahassee Police Officers are some of the most well trained law enforcement officers in the nation. Everyday these officers face potentially dangerous situations and on occasions, the need for advanced tactically trained officers arises. Police department tactical teams, like TAC (Tactical Apprehension & Control) and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), are specialized groups of officers highly trained in tactics, apprehension of suspects and the control of volatile situations. When the Tallahassee Police Department's TAC Team receives a call-out, the officers never know exactly what they are going to face. It is through training, skill, and teamwork that they have the confidence to overcome any situation. These men and women are the best at what they do because they prepare.

2024 Summer Program

The 2024 program is returning July 29 - August 2!

• 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily
• Dropoff and Pickup at TPD Headquarters (234 E 7th Ave)
• All other transportation will be provided
• Availability is limited - only 20 student spots available
• All students must be incoming 9th graders - 12th grade with a 2.5 GPA or higher

The class will be limited to 20 students for the summer academy and the process is competitive. Call 850-879-9604 for additional questions or information.

Download and fill out the application form here.

The TAC Students Program Instructors

The core principles of the TAC Students Program

• Training - The training the students will receive from police officers and other professionals will provide practical real world application to help the students make good decisions, develop good relationships, plan for the future and become community minded leaders.
• Achievement - Each lesson will have a specified objective to complete. As the student achieves each objective there is a dual compensation in the fact that the goals are met and skills are learned.
• Confidence - Confidence is the product of achievement and training and will serve as a catalyst for future endeavors.

One example of the TAC Team's attitude is the term "RWH" which stands for "Return With Honor." It is one of the team's mottos that "reminds us of the importance of not just serving, but serving honorably." Sgt. James Fairfield

The TAC Students' goal is to make a difference in the students' personal lives and in the community. The training they receive is focused in these crucial areas:

• Decision Making
• Defining Relationships
• Planning for the Future
• Becoming a Leader

TAC Student Acceptance Requirements

• High school student in good standing
• Competitive application process
• Limited number of openings
• 2.5 GPA (weighted)
• Extracurricular activities and/or community involvement
• Recommendation from a school administrator or community leader

Common Questions

Who can join TAC Students?
Students in 9th-12th grade. There are a limited number of spots and the process is competitive.

Is the program for students who want to be in law enforcement?
The program is designed to focus on leadership skills in any vocation. This is not a cadet program.

How long is the program?
The program is five consecutive days. There are five meetings and two call-outs.

How much does the program cost?
At this time, there is no registration fee.

Who are the adult leaders?
The leadership team is made up of TAC Team members and Chaplains, both groups are interested in students' futures.

What are the benefits of participating?
Students will be interacting with like-minded peers, and learning from professionals who have experienced first hand the importance of leadership. Also, completion of the program will allow students to list membership and experience on work and college applications.

Program Leaders

The TAC Students program originated in the Tallahassee Police Department's Chaplain Program. Although the program is not religious, the Chaplains saw a need to reach out to our community and help mold the leaders of tomorrow. The idea is not to recruit future law enforcement officers, but rather to have a positive influence on members who will work in all areas of our community.

This student leadership program was created based on the model of TPD's tactical team, TAC. The acronym stands for Tactical Apprehension and Control.

The TAC Team has a grueling try-out process and if an officer makes the team, they have truly accomplished something.

In Memoriam

"Honor is a debt that I owe to those who see it in me."

Sgt. Dale Green, TAC Sniper Team Leader

Juvenile Citation Programs

This program is available for juveniles who have committed various first time misdemeanor offenses such as retail theft, criminal mischief and battery. Instead of being arrested, juveniles may be issued civil citations and must complete a number of community service hours and tasks as directed by the officer who issued the citation, in conjunction with Disc Village.

TAC Students / TPD Student Leadership Program

TAC Students is a leadership development program designed to prepare students to be leaders in every phase of their lives. This program will prepare young people for the unexpected challenges in their changing culture, especially during adolescent years. It will help them to set and achieve goals and develop individual confidence. The teamwork aspect will increase interpersonal skills and help prepare them for the future. This program is designed to be exciting while drawing together many important issues students face today.

TPD Cadet Summer Camp

DEFY Summer Leadership Camp

DEFY is a prevention program for kids ages 9-12. DEFY deters "at risk" behaviors by giving kids the tools they need to resist drugs and develop positive social skills. The leadership and life skills training provided by DEFY include: goal-setting, team building, conflict resolution, gang resistance and decision making.

The DEFY Program is a professionally developed curriculum that incorporates key characteristics of successful substance abuse prevention programs as identified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Additional DEFY topics include:

• Resistance Skills
• Social behavior
• Self-esteem
• Alcohol attitudes
• Smoking attitudes
• Drug knowledge
• Internet Safety

For more information, visit the program page.