Citizens Police Academy

An Inside Look at Law Enforcement in Tempe

What You Will Learn

Our academy covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Field Operations, SWAT, and Narcotics/ACTION Team
• Major Crimes and Use of Force
• Community Policing Unit, Detention, Records, and Communications
• Real Time Crime Operations, Property/Evidence, and Forensics
• School Resource Officers, K-9 and Mounted Units
• Recruiting and Hiring

Why Participate?

• Increase Your Knowledge: Understand the daily operations and responsibilities of the Tempe Police Department.
• Build Connections: Strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.
• Get Involved: Graduates may volunteer with the department or join other community safety initiatives.

Eligibility

Open to those who live, work, or volunteer in Tempe, including students, community leaders, clergy, and others serving the Tempe community.

Program Contact

Community Coffee Events

Connecting with Our Community, One Cup at a Time

With the generous support of local coffee shops over the past decade, the Tempe Police Department hosts Community Coffee with Your Cops events around 4 times a year.  Along with our partners since inception, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the entire community is invited.

• These are informal, drop in events with no specific agenda – folks are not expected to stay the duration unless they wish.
  
  
• We disseminate the information to neighborhood groups citywide and post via social media to community.
  
  
• Mayor, Council, City Leadership and Police Command Staff also are invited and often stop by to support the business and visit with neighbors.
  
  
• The Community Policing Squad and Patrol Officers attend to answer questions, listen to input, hear concerns, provide updates on programs, current initiatives, and share crime prevention information.

Program Contact

Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.)

The Tempe Police Department is proud to support G.A.I.N. – Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods, an annual statewide event designed to bring neighbors together, strengthen community bonds, and promote public safety.

What is G.A.I.N.?

G.A.I.N. is Arizona’s version of “National Night Out,” where neighborhoods across the state come together each October to build stronger, safer communities. The event encourages residents to meet one another, connect with local police officers, and share ideas on how to keep Tempe safe and welcoming for everyone.

Why it Matters

Community policing is built on trust, communication, and collaboration. G.A.I.N. provides an opportunity for:

• Neighbors to connect – Stronger relationships make safer neighborhoods.

• Partnerships with police – Officers attend neighborhood gatherings to listen, answer questions, and share safety resources.

• Crime prevention awareness – Education and open communication help reduce crime and improve quality of life.

• Celebrating community – G.A.I.N. is about coming together, enjoying time with neighbors, and reinforcing that public safety is a shared responsibility.

How to Get Involved

Neighborhoods are encouraged to host their own G.A.I.N. events—whether it’s a block party, cookout, or park gathering. Tempe Police officers and city representatives attend these events to show support and provide resources.

Together, through G.A.I.N., we strengthen the bond between residents and law enforcement, ensuring Tempe continues to be a safe, connected, and thriving community.

 Please visit the City of Tempe G.A.I.N page for additional information. 

LGBTQ+ Liaison

The Tempe Police Department is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We are proud to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community and to actively build partnerships that promote safety, respect, and understanding.

Our designated LGBTQ+ Liaison serves as a direct resource for community members, ensuring that concerns are heard, needs are addressed, and opportunities for collaboration are elevated. This role also helps strengthen communication between the department and the LGBTQ+ community.

Contact Information

Darren Martinez, Accreditation Administrator
480-350-8767, darren_martinez@tempe.gov

Neighborhood Association Meetings

Partnering with Neighborhoods to Keep Tempe Safe and Connected

The Tempe Police Department values strong relationships with the neighborhoods we serve. One of the key ways we maintain open communication and collaboration is through regular participation in Neighborhood Association Meetings.

These meetings provide an important forum for residents to discuss local concerns, ask questions, and hear updates directly from the officers who serve their area. Whether it's addressing quality-of-life issues, crime trends, or public safety initiatives, our goal is to work side-by-side with residents to find solutions that enhance safety and build trust.

Officers assigned to specific beats often attend these meetings along with representatives from other city departments when appropriate. It’s a valuable opportunity to share information, listen to community feedback, and strengthen the partnership between Tempe PD and the people we serve.

If your neighborhood association is planning a meeting and would like a police representative to attend, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can help ensure Tempe remains a safe, welcoming, and well-informed community.

Shop with Your Cops

Spreading Holiday Cheer and Building Lasting Bonds

The Tempe Officers Association’s annual Shop With Your Cop event is a cherished tradition that brings together local law enforcement officers and children from our community for a day of joy, connection, and generosity. Each year, officers partner with children to shop for holiday gifts, creating memorable experiences that go far beyond the items purchased. This event is about building trust, fostering positive relationships, and showing our youngest community members that officers are not only here to protect, but also to support and uplift them.

Shop With Your Cop highlights the compassionate and giving spirit of the Tempe Police Department. It provides a unique opportunity for officers to be seen in a wonderful light, stepping out of their uniforms’ traditional roles and into the role of mentors and neighbors. By spending time with these children, laughing, talking, and helping them pick out special gifts; officers are able to create meaningful connections that strengthen community bonds and build lasting goodwill.

 The event is more than just a shopping trip; it’s an investment in the future of our community. For many of the children who participate, this experience offers a rare moment of joy during the holiday season. It is also a chance for them to see police officers as approachable, caring individuals who are committed to giving back. By fostering this positive engagement, Shop With Your Cop strengthens the trust between officers and the community, reminding everyone that the heart of law enforcement lies in service and compassion.

The Tempe Officers Association is proud to continue this meaningful tradition year after year, reaffirming our commitment to community, compassion, and connection, one child, one cart, and one smile at a time.

Special Olympics Arizona & Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)

The Tempe Police Department is proud to support Special Olympics Arizona through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). For many years, our officers and professional staff have joined forces with community partners to raise funds, build relationships, and create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Below are some of the signature events we participate in each year:

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)

A long-standing tradition, the Torch Run unites TPD with neighboring agencies—including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, the U.S. Postal Service, and Salt River PD—as we carry the Flame of Hope alongside Special Olympians. This powerful event symbolizes law enforcement’s commitment to championing the abilities and dreams of every athlete.

Guardian Games

The Guardian Games bring together unified teams of four—one Special Olympics athlete, two sponsor participants, and one law enforcement officer—to compete in eight exciting events. These games strengthen the bond between athletes, businesses, and law enforcement while raising funds for Special Olympics Arizona. The result is an unforgettable day of teamwork, inclusion, and community spirit.

Over the Edge

Since 2018, TPD participants have gone “over the edge” by rappelling 27 stories down the CityScape building in downtown Phoenix. This adrenaline-filled event not only inspires but directly supports Special Olympics athletes. Each participant commits to raising at least $1,000—the cost of supporting two athletes for an entire year—making every rappel a life-changing contribution.

Pickleball for a Purpose

In May 2025, TPD hosted its first-ever pickleball tournament at The Picklr, drawing 56 teams and strong sponsorship support from local businesses. The event raised over $5,600, with a highlight being a team of Special Olympians who received professional training and free paddles courtesy of USA Pickleball. The success of this tournament ensures it will remain a staple fundraiser for years to come.

Tip-A-Cop

TPD partners with local restaurants for this popular fundraiser where officers and staff work side-by-side with restaurant servers, greeting guests and delivering meals. In addition to great food and service, the event raises awareness and funds for the LETR mission. Last fall, TPD teamed up with Texas Roadhouse and raised over $1,000—and we look forward to continuing the tradition with a local partner this year.

Honored with the Special Edition Torch

On August 8, 2025, TPD was proud to be one of just four agencies statewide recognized by Arizona LETR with a special edition torch. This unique torch, designed to highlight Arizona’s landmarks and the deep commitment of law enforcement, was awarded to agencies and individuals who raised more than $4,500 between February and June 2025.