The Tampa Police Department has teamed up with The University of Tampa to create a new pathway allowing college seniors to complete police academy training during their final semester before graduation. The opportunity is available to students pursuing a major or minor in criminology, according to MyQ105.
To be accepted into the program, candidates must successfully complete a physical fitness assessment, an oral interview panel, psychological evaluations, a polygraph examination, and an extensive background investigation. Those selected will spend their final semester enrolled full-time in the Tampa Police Academy instead of taking traditional coursework.
Through a scholarship funded by the Tampa Police Department, the cost of the academy is covered. Participants will also receive college credit for the program and earn an hourly wage from the City of Tampa while completing their training.
"It's giving them about a semester head start, about a four-month head start on getting into the police academy and getting hired," said Carly Hilinski-Rosick, UTampa department chair and professor of criminology and criminal justice, according to FOX 13.
At present, six students are advancing through the selection process, with the inaugural class expected to enter the academy in January.
Under the program's timeline, students will receive their University of Tampa degrees in May, complete the police academy in July, and transition directly into careers as Tampa police officers.
"It's a long-term investment," said Officer Stefon Filer, recruiter and internship coordinator for the Tampa Police Department. "We always have officers that are retiring. So, we want to make sure we have the next generation of law enforcement. And what better way than to do that with a partnership with The University of Tampa and some of the best and brightest students that Tampa has to offer."
According to FOX 13, the department expects to achieve full staffing by early fall and projects it will exceed its authorized staffing level by the end of the year.
Department leaders believe the collaboration with the university will further strengthen recruitment efforts. Filer emphasized the importance of continually attracting and retaining high-quality candidates to sustain the department's future workforce.
University officials say students have responded enthusiastically to the initiative, viewing it as an opportunity to launch their careers while establishing themselves in the Tampa community.
"It tells me that they enjoy Tampa. They recognize that Tampa is a growing city and that Tampa PD, for example, is a great organization," Hilinski-Rosick said.
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