SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize a purchase order with St. Petersburg College for the Clearwater Police Department and Clearwater Fire Rescue for police academy sponsorships, paramedic training program, and ongoing advanced training for existing personnel in the amount of $168,000.00, pursuant to Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.563(1)(f) Professional Services not subject to CCNA (academics) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
In recent years, recruiting and hiring qualified police officer candidates has become increasingly competitive. To address this challenge, the Clearwater Police Department has implemented several recruitment initiatives, including sponsoring qualified candidates through the police academy. Because academy sponsorships have become a common and effective recruitment tool among local law enforcement agencies, continuing this practice is essential to maintaining the department’s competitiveness and staffing levels.
The Police Department sponsored 14 cadets in FY 2025 and 16 cadets in FY 2026. Staff anticipates sponsoring another 16 cadets in FY 2027.
The police academy is offered through the Southeastern Public Safety Institute at St. Petersburg College. The 22-week, 790-hour program provides classroom instruction and practical, scenario-based training in criminal law, investigations, interviewing, report writing, traffic stops, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and de-escalation techniques.
Upon graduating from the academy, cadets enter an additional 20-week training program administered by the Clearwater Police Department. This comprehensive training prepares new officers to serve and protect Clearwater’s residents, visitors, and business owners while meeting the evolving demands of modern law enforcement.
Academy sponsorships cost $5,000 per cadet. Based on a preliminary estimate of 16 sponsorships, the anticipated cost is $80,000. An additional $20,000 is requested to provide advanced training for current officers. This training will help officers remain current on emerging practices in high-liability areas and obtain specialized instruction for roles such as instructors, detectives, community policing officers, and supervisors. Based on the preliminary estimate, the Police Department’s total funding request is $100,000.
Clearwater Fire & Rescue is requesting $68,000 for educational sponsorships and advanced training at St. Petersburg College.
Of this amount, $62,000 will be utilized for the sponsorship of 13 new emergency medical technicians and four existing EMTs attending paramedic school. This investment responds to the critical need for qualified paramedics in the Clearwater community.
The paramedic program spans three semesters covering Paramedic I, Paramedic II, and Paramedic III and includes essential hands-on clinical experience in both hospital and field settings. This comprehensive approach provides personnel with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to meet the complex and evolving demands of emergency medical services.
An additional $4,000 will sponsor one newly hired EMT through the Fire Academy at St. Petersburg College. The 13-week academy is offered during both the spring and fall semesters. The remaining $2,000 will support advanced training for current firefighters and EMTs, helping personnel stay current with emerging practices, technologies, and trends in the fire service and emergency medical fields.
The City of Clearwater is recognized throughout the region for the exceptional training and professionalism of its police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Supporting these academy sponsorships and advanced training opportunities will strengthen recruitment and retention, enhance operational readiness, and help maintain the high level of public service that Clearwater’s residents, visitors, and business community expect and deserve.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this purchase order was anticipated and is available through the Police Recruitment special program 99279, Police Recruitments; and operating cost code 557300 (employee training & reference) for ongoing advanced training. For Clearwater Fire Rescue, funding is available in Fire Department operating cost code 557300 (employee training & reference).
The Police and Fire Departments (and associated special programs) are funded by revenues from the General Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
We encourage professional development through employee educational opportunities, skills-based training, and leadership succession planning.
