The Tampa Police Department has opened the application process for sponsorship to the Police Academy. This scholarship program includes an hourly salary and benefits while attending the academy.
The Tampa Police Department seeks the best possible candidates to become police officers with our agency. The department wants to invest in those with no prior law enforcement certification who have an interest in law enforcement and community service. In order to attract the best-qualified candidates, the department developed the Police Recruit Scholarship Program.
“The police department should reflect the diverse community it serves,” said Interim Chief Lee Bercaw. “By providing a scholarship to attend the police academy, the goal is to open an avenue of opportunity to the members of our community who are interested in helping us make Tampa safer, together. Removing the financial burden by paying for classroom necessities, while also providing an hourly salary with benefits, allows the recruits to focus entirely on their education.”
The Tampa Police Recruit Scholarship Program covers the cost of tuition, uniforms, equipment, and books needed for the Police Academy. Police Recruits in the scholarship program are paid an hourly wage of $19.50 to attend classes. Police Recruits are full-time employees of the City of Tampa while in the Police Academy, receiving benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and deferred compensation plans.
Once the Police Academy begins in January 2024, classes will be held at Hillsborough Community College Ybor Campus, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., over the course of approximately six months.
Police Recruits who successfully complete all training required by the State of Florida to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer and pass the State examination will earn their promotion to Tampa Police Officer, where the annual salary ranges from $68,900 up to $117,000.
To learn more about the scholarship program, and to apply, go to www.tampagov.net/PoliceRecruit.