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The Tampa Police Department proposes the "Military to Badge Transition Program," designed to recruit, hire, and retain military personnel transitioning to civilian life who qualify for equivalency of training (EOT).

This initiative will leverage the valuable skills and discipline of military veterans, enhancing our law enforcement team while supporting our mission to reduce crime and enhance quality of life through cooperative community partnerships.

By building on the current services offered by the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, we provide service members with opportunities to gain civilian work experience through industry training, apprenticeships, or internships in their last 180 days of service.

Through SkillBridge, service members can train full-time with approved industry partners, receiving real-world training and in-demand work experience while still receiving military compensation and benefits.

Our recruitment efforts will include targeted outreach on military bases to highlight the EOT process, ensuring a seamless transition into policing roles.

Additionally, we will develop virtual reality (VR) simulations to provide potential recruits with an immersive experience of day-to-day policing activities, aimed at attracting tech-savvy individuals.

Community influencers and local leaders will be engaged as ambassadors to promote law enforcement careers, reaching candidates who may not have previously considered this path.

Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, will be used for interactive challenges, engaging the younger demographic.

Partnerships with local colleges will create internship programs offering academic credit, and career change workshops will target professionals seeking new opportunities.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates, strengthening community policing efforts in the Tampa Bay area.

City Of Tampa

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ORIENTED POLICING SERVICES (COPS OFFICE, HTTPS://COPS.USDOJ.GOV) IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING FOR THE [INSERT PROGRAM SPECIFIC OVERVIEW] THE COPS OFFICE WELCOMES APPLICATIONS UNDER WHICH TWO OR MORE ENTITIES WOULD CARRY OUT THE FEDERAL AWARD; HOWEVER, ONLY ONE ENTITY MAY BE THE APPLICANT. ANY OTHER ENTITIES CARRYING OUT THE FEDERAL AWARD MUST BE IDENTIFIED AS PROPOSED SUBRECIPIENTS. THE APPLICANT MUST BE THE ENTITY THAT WOULD HAVE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARRYING OUT THE AWARDS, INCLUDING ADMINISTERING THE FUNDING AND MANAGING THE ENTIRE PROJECT. THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FEDERAL AWARD ARE ALSO APPLICABLE TO SUBRECIPIENTS. ALL AWARDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS AND ANY MODIFICATIONS OR ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW.

16.710 - Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants

Community Oriented Policing Program (COPS) [DOJ - OBD]

Tampa, Florida 33602-5211 United States

Single Zip Code

FY25 Community Policing Development Microgrants (O-COPS-2025-172384)