Public Safety

Fort Walton Beach Police to offer free Citizens’ Police Academy starting in February

The eight-week program gives residents an inside look at law enforcement operations, from crime scene investigations to K-9 units.

Jared Williams

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The Fort Walton Beach Police Department is inviting community members to spend eight weeks learning what happens behind the badge.

The department’s Citizens’ Police Academy begins Feb. 5 and runs through March 26, with sessions held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. The program is free and open to anyone 18 or older who lives or works in Okaloosa County.

Participants will learn about police training, crime scene investigations, DUI procedures, community policing, patrol operations, K-9 operations and traffic homicide investigations. The program also encourages participants to join an officer for a ride-along during a patrol shift.

Seating is limited. Those interested can contact Master Police Officer Marcus Montgomery at mmontgomery@fwb.org for more information or to apply.

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