Amar’e Stoudemire Graduates Police Academy

Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire graduated from Miami Dade College’s School of Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy on October 14, 2026, and is set to join the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department. The college announced his graduation and said he received the Harry “Coach” Everett Award for his contributions to the academy program. The award recognizes Stoudemire’s participation during training, according to the college. His graduation marks a move from professional basketball toward law enforcement, though the reports describe his police role as prospective rather than saying he has started work. One account said he will complete additional training with the schools police department before beginning his duties. No start date was provided. Stoudemire told Sports Illustrated that the academy program lasted about 10½ months and involved 848 hours of training. He said he passed Florida’s state certification examination. Those details come from his account of the program; the college announcement confirmed his graduation and award. He has described becoming a police officer as a childhood ambition, influenced in part by relatives who worked in law enforcement.