TAC Students (Training, Achievement & Confidence)
TAC Students /Tallahassee Police Department Student Leadership Program
"Challenging High School Students to be the Leaders of Tomorrow"
The Inspiration
Tallahassee Police Officers are some of the most well trained law enforcement officers in the nation. Everyday these officers face potentially dangerous situations and on occasions, the need for advanced tactically trained officers arises. Police department tactical teams, like TAC (Tactical Apprehension & Control) and SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), are specialized groups of officers highly trained in tactics, apprehension of suspects and the control of volatile situations. When the Tallahassee Police Department's TAC Team receives a call-out, the officers never know exactly what they are going to face. It is through training, skill, and teamwork that they have the confidence to overcome any situation. These men and women are the best at what they do because they prepare.
The Program
TAC Students is a leadership development program designed to prepare students to be leaders in every phase of their lives. This program will prepare young people for the unexpected challenges in their changing culture, especially during adolescent years. It will help them to set and achieve goals and develop individual confidence. The teamwork aspect will increase interpersonal skills and help prepare them for the future. This program is designed to be exciting while drawing together many important issues students face today.
The TAC Students Program is taught by:
| Snipers | Entry Members | Negotiators |
 |
 |
 |
The core principles of the TAC Students Program
- Training: The training the students will receive from police officers and other professionals will provide practical real world application to help the students make good decisions, develop good relationships, plan for the future and become community minded leaders.
- Achievement: Each lesson will have a specified objective to complete. As the student achieves each objective there is a dual compensation in the fact that the goals are met and skills are learned.
- Confidence: Confidence is the product of achievement and training and will serve as a catalyst for future endeavors.
One example of the TAC Team's attitude is the term "RWH" which stands for "Return With Honor." It is one of the team's mottos that "reminds us of the importance of not just serving, but serving honorably." Sgt. James Fairfield
The TAC Students' goal is to make a difference in the students' personal lives and in the community. The training they receive is focused in these crucial areas:
- Decision Making
- Defining Relationships
- Planning for the Future
- Becoming a Leader
TAC Student Acceptance Requirements
- High school student in good standing
- Competitive application process
- Limited number of openings
- 2.5 GPA (weighted)
- Extracurricular activities and/or community involvement
- Recommendation from a school administrator or community leader
TAC Practice
Over the course of four meetings, police officers and other professionals proficient in specific topics will teach the students. The four topics are challenging and will help motivate students to be more aware of the "Real World" and how they fit into it. The students who choose to try-out will be challenged and when they graduate, they will be a part of an exclusive group of young people.
2009 TAC Practice
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TAC Students Call-Outs
While trying out for the team, the students will be "On-Call" from time to time. For instance, the TAC Students leader will contact the current members and give them an "On-Call" date. (Usually weekends) The students should not plan anything too big for that day because there WILL be a team "call-out". The exciting thing is that the students have no idea when the call will come or what they will be doing. Parents will be briefed a week prior to the call-out.
For those students who try out and make the TAC Students team, they will have been exposed to good information, practical application, and sound judgment. Their task, if they choose to accept it, will then be to help the next up and coming team. The ultimate goal is to help prepare young people to be leaders and to impact our city one person and one call-out at a time.
April 2009 Call Out
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Thanks Junior League of Tallahassee!
Common Questions
Q. Who can join TAC Students?
A. Students in 9th-12th grade.
There are a limited number of spots and the process is competitive.
Q. Is the program for students who want to be in law enforcement?
A. The program is designed to focus on leadership skills in any vocation. This is not a cadet program.
Q. How long is the program?
A. The program is 8 weeks long. There are four meetings and two call-outs.
Q. How much does the program cost?
A. At this time, there is no registration fee.
Q. Who are the adult leaders?
A. The leadership team is made up of TAC Team members and Chaplains, both groups are interested in students' futures.
Q. What are the benefits of participating?
A. Students will be interacting with like-minded peers, and learning from professionals who have experienced first hand the importance of leadership. Also, completion of the program will allow students to list membership and experience on work and college applications.
Program Leaders
The TAC Students program originated in the Tallahassee Police Department's Chaplain Program. Although the program is not religious, the Chaplains saw a need to reach out to our community and help mold the leaders of tomorrow. The idea is not to recruit future law enforcement officers, but rather to have a positive influence on members who will work in all areas of our community.
This student leadership program was created based on the model of TPD's tactical team, TAC. The acronym stands for Tactical Apprehension and Control.
The TAC Team has a grueling try-out process and if an officer makes the team, they have truly accomplished something.
The TAC Student's try-out program is also challenging. If a student makes the team after the 8 week try-out, they will have truly accomplished something.
To Apply for the program
The Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Fall, 2009 course. For additional information and an application, contact Inspector Danny Jeter via email. Please be sure to include your name, phone number and a valid email address so we may contact you.
In Memoriam
"Honor is a debt that I owe to those who see it in me."
Sgt. Dale Green, TAC Sniper Team Leader