LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — For new Lakeland police officers, the journey into the field spans 9-14 months and involves rigorous steps such as vetting processes, field training, and participation at both the police academy and a specialized “mini-academy” specifically designed for Lakeland police personnel.
On Monday, police leaders provided city commissioners with updates on training protocols, while also addressing concerns regarding a contentious training program slated to occur later this summer.
“We’re filling these seats as fast as humanly possible,” said Capt. Ron Bowling to the city commission.
According to Capt. Bowling, one of the initial stages for a candidate seeking to join the Lakeland police force is undergoing a thorough background investigation accompanied by a detailed questionnaire.
“That’s every job you’ve ever had, every address you’ve ever lived. It even asks about undetected crimes in your childhood. We know about every stolen candy bar in every applicant’s life,” he said.
Right now, Lakeland police employs 278 sworn officers, with about 30 more officer positions requested over the next several years due to growth.
It costs $185,000 to hire a police officer, according to Chief Sam Taylor.
“We focus a great deal on high liability training with de-escalation, firearms, driving and defensive tactics,” said Capt. Bowling.
On Monday, the Lakeland city commissioners expressed gratitude for how Lakeland police, and the community members, handled “Pride in the Park” and a “No Kings” protest on Saturday.
“Such great kudos to all of the officers at the Lakeland Police Department. I just felt such pride,” said Commissioner Stephanie Madden.
Then, on behalf of a constituent, Commissioner Madden asked about an upcoming training program called “Street Cop Training.”
“I will tell you that just about every single state agency has sent folks to that training,” responded Chief Sam Taylor. “I spoke with the officers that did attend the conference last year. They said there was quite a bit of de-escalation training, quite a bit of review of case law.”
“Street Cop Training,” founded by a former New Jersey police officer, was banned in several states after a 2021 conference where, according to a report from the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller, speakers made “lewd gestures and demeaning quips about women and minorities.”
Reportedly, the “Street Cop Training” conferences have attracted thousands of law enforcement officials from nearly every state, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
Chief Taylor said Lakeland’s event, which will be hosted at no financial cost to the department, will focus on de-escalation and case law.
“At the end of the day, if there’s something that the officers come back and report to me that it is either not useful or it’s not appropriate, then we’ll make another assessment,” said Chief Taylor.
As of now, no Lakeland police officers have signed up for the August training, a one-day session.
“I’m all for de-escalation training. Our officers can’t get enough of that training. Hopefully, the program has been refined since 2021,” said Terry Coney, president of the NAACP Lakeland branch.
