Winter Springs Citizen’s Police Academy gives residents behind-the-scenes look

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — The Winter Springs Police Department hosts a Citizen’s Police Academy every other year. 

For Winter Springs resident Art Gallo, the experience was so impactful that he did it twice.

“It’s a demo of how they train the dog. I remember he really pulled me. It was hard. He was a really strong dog,” Gallo recalled, remembering his turn in a K-9 demonstration.

It’s not every day you get to step into the boots of a police officer. But that’s exactly what the Winter Springs Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy offers.

“This one I attended in 2023. It’s ten weeks,” Gallo said.

Art isn’t a police officer, but after attending the academy, he talks about the department like he’s part of the team.

“This is a great way to learn about your police department and meet the officers who are protecting you every day,” Gallo said.

For him, the academy wasn’t about the thrill — it was about understanding.

The program is hosted every other year. Participants learn about the K-9 unit, forensics, the emergency operations center, and more.

“I feel that it is very beneficial for citizens to know that there’s different roles and different responsibilities in each police department,” said Lt. Lynn Saccente with Winter Springs Police.

Saccente says the academy always fills up fast, and it serves a bigger purpose than many realize.

“It helps educate them that we’re not just cops out there writing tickets. We’re actually doing our job, and part of that is teaching and educating and hands-on,” Saccente said.

She added that the academy also gives police a chance to hear citizen comments and questions, which helps them serve the community better.

“These might be policemen and women, but they are members of your community,” Gallo said.

The Winter Springs Police Department has hosted the Citizens Police Academy six times. The next one is scheduled for 2027.