Applications now open for exclusive fall sessions with city and police departments in Fort Walton Beach

Fort Walton Beach, Florida – This fall, those who live in Fort Walton Beach will have two opportunities to learn more about how their local government and police department work. The City of Fort Walton Beach and the Police Department are both taking applications for their Citizens’ Academies, which are programs that let people in the community get to know the people who serve them.

The City of Fort Walton Beach Citizens’ Academy will last for five weeks and provide people a chance to see how city government works on a daily basis. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. starting on October 8 and ending on November 5. Participants will meet directly with department heads and personnel, which will provide them a personal look at how important services are run. Every week, a different department will be in the spotlight, providing people a better idea of how their city works. The program highlights involvement, and everyone who comes is asked to attend all five sessions.

Only adults who live in Fort Walton Beach can sign up, and space is likely to fill up fast. You must send in your application by September 24, 2025, by contacting Public Information Officer Devon Ravine with your name, phone number, and address.

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The Police Department is also bringing back its Citizens’ Police Academy, which lasts for eight weeks and starts on September 11 and ends on October 30. The academy is held every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. and gives people a look at what goes on behind the scenes in law enforcement.

Residents will hear directly from officers about how they train, how they investigate, how they communicate, and what it’s really like to work as a police officer every day. Sessions will also cover community policing, DUI enforcement, K-9 demonstrations, the role of Special Response Teams, and even fake situations that let people act like police officers.

Applications for the Police Academy are due September 4, 2025. Interested residents can contact Officer Bhagwatsingh at 850-833-9546, email [email protected], or apply in person at the Police Department on Hollywood Boulevard.

Both academies reflect a broader effort by the City of Fort Walton Beach to foster stronger community connections and provide transparency in local operations. For residents eager to learn more about their community and the people who protect and serve it, these fall programs offer a rare and valuable experience.