For Youth
Officers mentor students from Foster Elementary
Bicycle Operations and Response Unit officers conduct bicycle safety training while interacting with kids.
The Tampa Police Department has certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST’s) who can provide and/or install child safety seats to citizens in need.
Officers read stories to children at local libraries while enjoying some cookies.
Officers drive by the the residence of homebound children to extend birthday wishes from the department (Based on availability).
Hands-on DUI Squad presentation for students on the dangers and effects of driving under the influence.
In conjunction with American Education Week, allows for the discussion of the law enforcement profession and provides interaction with students.
Command Staff walk children to school while reinforcing school zone safety messaging.
The Youth Boxing program, hosted by our Police Athletic League, is offered free of charge to those aged 8-18; and is conducted under the mentorship of Tampa Police Officers.
This is a year round program, for eligible students between the ages of 14-20, and is run in compliance with the Boy Scouts of America and the Learning for Life Exploring Program.
The Resources In Community Hope (RICH) House is a safe haven for kids in the city's most economically challenged areas with an on-site officer who serves as role model, mentor, tutor, and liaison.
Safety presentations are conducted by officers from our Special Operations Division at Parks and Recreation sites throughout the city.
After a successful launch in 2022, the Tampa Police Department's "Shielding Our Teens" program was established to help youth in the community gain summer employment and teach them the proper etiquette to do so.
Watch a highlight on the Shielding Our Teens program here.
Over three weeks, officers mentor teens on topics, including:
- The dos and don'ts of interviewing
- How to build a resumé
- Proper attire to wear to an interview
- Presenting a confident demeanor
At the end of the program, teens put it all together when they meet with potential employers and hopefully walk away with a job. Following a successful summer working, students then have the added opportunity to earn scholarships through RISE Tampa, Our Police Foundation.
The "Help Us Help You" Special Needs Registry is a voluntary program to enhance communication between first responders and individuals with special needs such as autism or any disability that affects their communication.
Officers teach, interact, and hold Q&A sessions regarding the work of specialized units such as K9, Mounted, Motors, Air Service, Marine Patrol, and SWAT.
As part of our ongoing expansion of community outreach efforts, the Tampa Police Department is proud to announce the launch of our new initiative revolving around sports themes. The approach, titled “Sharing Possibilities with Our Residents Through Sports” (SPORTS), seeks to create a positive relationship between the police and the community, particularly with kids.
Future aspects of this initiative will also involve various activities such as recruitment at local high school sports events, highlighting Police Athletic League (PAL) programs, and other activities. The goal is to create an environment where people, especially the younger generation, feel comfortable interacting with police officers.
Approximately 25 teens attend a weeklong TPD Academy during the summer break, where they learn about law enforcement as a profession. Students are selected by input from School Resource Officers who work with them throughout the year.
The College Intern Program provides an opportunity for recruitment and development of relationships with prospective future employees.
For Adults
The Tampa Police Department is working with bicyclists to help them protect their bicycles against permanent loss due to theft. Bicycle registration is a free service that allows officers to safely return lost or stolen bicycles to their rightful owners.
Tip: Scroll down the list of "incident types" to "Registration of Bicycles".
The Tampa Police Department Chaplain Program is comprised of people from various faith backgrounds to serve all members of our community. Chaplains provide care and solace to Police Officers, their families, and the community we serve.
Visit the TPD Chaplain Program Application page for more information or if you would like to apply for consideration to become a Chaplain.
We are only as strong as our relationship with the community! Together we have made great strides reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our community. The next step in that fight is asking you to join our department as an official TPD volunteer. We need your help in the district office closest to your home. You will get a behind the scenes look at how officers do their job and you will play an important role in helping us make our city safer.
Officers meet with the community to discuss crime patterns, safety tips, and quality of life concerns over a cup of coffee at a partnering business. Request Coffee with a Cop here.
The College Intern Program provides an opportunity for recruitment and development of relationships with prospective future employees.
Used for fundraising events (certificate for Ride Along with Specialty Squads, Tours, etc). Submit your request for a Community Charities - Chief's Certificate/Basket consideration.
During a “Tag-It" operation, Officers and Neighborhood Affairs Liaisons will walk through a neighborhood to identify potential crime opportunities and to educate residents about improved safety.
The Tampa Police Department provides FREE gun locks to residents as part of our program called Project Locked and Unloaded. Deterring crime starts by working as a community to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. Community members can pick up a free gun lock at any of our District Offices or TPD Headquarters, or at four designated libraries: Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, North Tampa Brach Library, New Tampa Regional Library or Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library.
Take the passenger seat for a shift and ride on patrol with a police officer.
To Sign Up: Citizen Observer Program
Safe Motorcycle And Rider Techniques Program: introduces the civilian motorcycling public to riding techniques to enhance your safety and riding abilities. Sign up for upcoming SMART courses.
The "Help Us Help You" Special Needs Registry is a voluntary program to enhance communication between first responders and individuals with special needs such as autism or any disability that affects their communication.
Each October the department hosts celebrations throughout the month aimed at building trust between officers and residents, as well as promoting safe neighborhoods.
The Tampa Police Citizen's Academy takes you behind the scenes and shows you the rigorous training that prepares Tampa Police Officers for their daily duties of protecting and serving the citizens of our city.
The Tampa Police Department implemented the Trespass Affidavit Program in an effort to assist business and / or property owners in the control of their property during non-business hours or their absence from the premises.
Families or friends from out of town can call to have an officer check to ensure their loved one is safe. Call our Communications Center at 813.231.6130 to request a welfare check.
Residential Programs
Tampa SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) is a voluntary program designed for apartments and condos, neighborhood associations, and business communities to help improve the safety of the community through prevention education, community participation and partnerships with community organizations.
Survey conducted to provide suggestions for improved residential and personal safety. Request an appointment for a home security survey.
This program allows residents and business owners to voluntarily share video from privately owned surveillance systems to aid in criminal investigations.
The Tampa Police Department implemented the Trespass Affidavit Program in an effort to assist business and / or property owners in the control of their property during non-business hours or their absence from the premises.
Residents going out of town can sign up to have an officer check on their home, if time permits during their shift.
If you would like to have a front porch roll call at your home or business please call your District Community Partnership and Engagement Liaison or email TPD-Communityengagement@tampagov.net with your request.
District Community Partnership and Engagement Liaisons
District 1: 813-354-6692
District 2: 813-931-6592
District 3: 813-242-3867
Business Programs
Tampa SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) Business Watch is a valuable partnership with local businesses that will help keep our businesses and our community safe. The partnership opens up several lines of communication – via social media, online, and face-to-face conversation – that enable us to work together with accurate and up-to-date information that can help prevent crime in Tampa.
Businesses team with TPD to provide the community with easily accessible safety information and safe places throughout the city they can turn to if they are the victims of crime.
Learn how to register your business with our Safe Place Initiative.
The Tampa Police Department implemented the Trespass Affidavit Program in an effort to assist business and / or property owners in the control of their property during non-business hours or their absence from the premises.
Learn more about Retail Theft Prevention Strategies here.
In the case of a retail theft - use our easy online Retail Theft form or download and complete the Retail Theft Form .
Partnership Programs
In partnership with Be Smart, the Tampa Police Department provides education on properly securing firearms. TPD’s “Project Locked & Unloaded” provides free gun locks to anyone who visits one of our three district offices or headquarters location.
3818 W Tampa Bay Blvd
Tampa, FL 33614
9330 N 30th Street
Tampa, Florida 33612
3808 N 22nd Street
411 N Franklin Street
Tampa, FL 33602
In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Bigs In Blue program offers one-to-one mentoring, connecting youth with police
Ongoing partnership with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to ensure crime victims and/or those with mental health concerns are able to connect and receive mental health counseling and psychological first aid.
A "FUNdraising" bowling tournament held every March in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay's mentoring programs for at-risk children in our community.
National Faith & Blue Weekend facilitates safer and stronger communities by engaging law enforcement officers and local residents through the connections of faith-based organizations.
This year, the Tampa Police will host a Faith & Blue music event at Waterworks Park located at 1710 N Highland Ave Tampa, FL 33602 during the National Faith & Blue weekend on October 6, 2024, between 6:00-8:00 PM.
Working alongside the Bullard Family Foundation who generously provide a toy giveaway for kids in the community.
In partnership with Tampa Bay Fishing Guide Captain Sergio Atanes, children from throughout Tampa are joined by Tampa Police Officers, Tampa Police Explorers, and top charter captains from the Tampa Bay area in educating the younger generation on the rules of fishing.
Those attending will learn about topics including types of fish to catch in the Tampa Bay area, the differences in using live and artificial bait, casting, and how to throw a net.
This event will take kids away from computer screens and cellphones and into a real-life experience. The Fishing Clinic also provides an opportunity for police officers and local fishing captains to develop mentorship relationships with kids in the community. Each one of the future anglers will receive a rod and reel combo that they will keep after the fishing clinic so they can continue to build on the skills they learn.
In partnership with Paint Your Heart Out, Tampa, police department employees paint houses for members of the community who are in need of assistance
Tampa Police Officers run the torch through Tampa to raise funds in support of Special Olympics Florida athletes
Partnering with Bullard Family Foundation with demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and bookbag giveaways, the Titus O'Neil Back to School Bash prepares students for the upcoming school year.
Rise Tampa starts its work where the city budget stops. It ensures officers receive the latest training, safety equipment, and cutting edge technology to keep our citizens safe while also providing growth opportunities to our most underprivileged children.