Frequently Asked Questions

The Citizens Police Academy is designed to give City of Miami Gardens citizens a better understanding of what police officers do on a daily basis. In addition, the goal of this program is to educate participants and build a relationship between City of Miami Gardens citizens and the Miami Gardens Police Department.

You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and live or work in the City of Miami Gardens; exceptions to this requirement may be approved by the Chief of Police.  Moreover, applicants must not have had any previous felony convictions.

There is no cost to attend the Citizens Police Academy.  However, the course does require a considerable time commitment from the participant.  During the ten (10) week program, students will receive approximately thirty (30) hours of instruction.  Participants will not be eligible for graduation if they miss more than two (2) sessions without being excused by the program coordinator.

The academy will be held two (2) times a year and meet every Tuesday from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM.  The training will take place at the Miami Gardens Police Department located at 18611 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056, in the Training Room #117.  There may be occasions during the ten (10) week academy where students will report to alternate locations for certain topics of instruction.

A variety of topics are included in the Citizens Police Academy such as Department organization and structure, improving community police relationships, Communications functions, Operations patrol, Criminal investigations, K-9, Training, etc.  Instructors will include officers, detectives, and supervisors/Command Staff from the Miami Gardens Police Department.