The Sebastian Police Department (SPD) is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Citizen’s Academy, which will be held February 06, 2025, through April 24, 2025, on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sebastian Police Department.
The Citizens Police Academy is a twelve (12) week program designed to provide a working knowledge and background of the Sebastian Police Department. This program is intended to foster a closer relationship between our agency and the community. It provides an avenue for community involvement and offers first-hand experience in policing.
It will provide hands-on interactive training in a comfortable environment on topics that include:
- Welcome to Sebastian Citizens Police Academy by Chief Dan Acosta
- Departmental Organizational and Philosophy
- Community Policing and Problem Solving
- Facility Tour of Police Headquarters
- Professional Standards and Accreditation
- Police Officer Recruitment, Selection, and Training
- Criminal Law and Laws of Arrest
- Court System and Hearing Process
- Road Patrol Division Operations
- Traffic Enforcement, Traffic Laws, Child Passenger Laws, Accident Reconstruction, and DUI Enforcement
- RAD Kids Programs
- Crime Prevention Techniques
- Criminal Investigations and Drug Enforcement
- Crime Scene Investigations and Evidence Processing
- Records Management
- Communications Division
- Mobile Data Terminal Operations
- Use of Force, Defensive Tactics, and K-9 Demonstration
- Homeland Security Issues
- Tour of Indian River County Jail Facility
- Community Volunteer Program, Child IDs & other special programs
- House Checks and Alarm Permits
- Marine Patrol and Fish and Game
- Firearms Care and Safety
- Special Response Team (SRT) Presentation and Demonstration
- Code Enforcement
- Citizens Police Academy Graduation
In 2022, I participated and completed this academy. It was an educational experience that helped me understand how each department within the Sebastian Police Department, Court House, and Indian River County Jails system works. I recommend it to anyone wanting to understand more about our police department & other agencies who work closely with them.
How to Apply
Applications can be picked up and returned to the Sebastian Police Department (1201 Main Street, Sebastian) during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. There is no cost to attend the Citizens Police Academy, and upon completion, members will be awarded a “Certificate of Graduation.” Space is limited to 20 students per class.
For more details about the academy, contact Community Policing Specialist Officer Bill Jursik by email bjursik@cityofsebastian.org or call the COPE Unit at (772) 589-5233 ext. 8550 or (772) 228-7017.
Sebastian Police Department
The Mission of the Sebastian Police Department is to courageously protect the rights of citizens while maintaining positive relationships within the community through professional, compassionate service.