Sign Up Now for Summer 2016 Teen Public Safety Academy

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments offer teens ages 13-19 the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and the fire service in this summer’s Teen Public Safety Academy.

In the one-week course participants gain an understanding of what it takes to become a law enforcement officer, firefighter, 911 dispatcher, and emergency responder through direct observation and participation.

Class sessions are July 11-15 , July 25-29 & August 8-12

Classes run for one week, Monday - Friday 8 am - 4 pm.

All orientation meetings will be held in the SCPD community room from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Spaces in the Teen Academy fill up quickly. Limited to 20 teen recruits per session. Click here for an application.

Each action-packed session will include hands-on learning and demonstrations with Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments. Recruits will engage in a daily physical fitness program in addition to dynamic instruction from expert police and fire personnel. 

The summer Teen Academy courses developed by the Santa Cruz Police Department provide a phenomenal opportunity to Santa Cruz teenagers who are considering serving their community in careers in either law enforcement or public safety, and those who are interested in learning public safety skills.

During the Academy, SCPD Officers will provide instruction to the students in various areas of law enforcement, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, public safety dispatching, SWAT, and Police K-9 unit.

The teen academy recruits will also receive instruction on fire department operations and learn basic firefighting principles and obtain CPR certification.

The program fee is $40 and includes a T-Shirt and lunches. Graduation will be on Friday at 3:30 pm, and family members are invited to attend!

For more information contact: Leo Gomez (831) 420-5952 or lgomez@cityofsantacruz.com - Click here for an application.  Completed forms should be emailed to lgomez@cityofsantacruz.com.