Certified Police Officer

Application deadline: 10/06/26

Salary: $78,555.81 - $120,124.90

About the role

The City is accepting applications for full-time Certified Police Officer positions and to establish an eligibility list for future openings. Police officers perform patrol, preliminary investigations, traffic regulation and enforcement, enforce criminal laws, and make arrests for felony and misdemeanor offenses. Officers may be assigned to various units within the police department, including but not limited to: Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Traffic Unit, Training Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and Marine Patrol.

Responsibilities

• Patrol streets, parks, commercial, and residential areas to detect crime, traffic violations, or other incidents requiring police action
• Write reports, field interrogations cards, and other reports as required by the case or incident
• Conduct preliminary investigations on all crimes, crashes, incidents, and law violations
• Respond to routine, emergency, or difficult calls for service; may initiate calls for service if observed during patrol
• Interview and/or interrogate suspects, witnesses, and drivers involved in crimes or crashes
• Gather and preserve physical evidence
• Make arrests or take persons into custody in accordance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and ordinances
• Prepare cases for court presentations and testify when required
• Summon paramedics, tow trucks, other law enforcement officers, and other assistance as appropriate
• Take measurements and draw diagrams of scenes such as crashes or as required
• Conduct follow-up investigations of crimes as time, policy, and manpower permit
• Accept responsibility and ownership of work product; strive to control and resolve conflict and defuse tense situations
• Prepare a variety of reports including reports of investigation, field interrogation reports, property receipts, alcohol influence reports, bad check forms, vehicle impoundment forms, offense incident reports, and accident reports
• Maintain availability by radio, laptop, or telephone for dispatch to emergencies or calls for service
• Carry and demonstrate competence with a firearm and/or other less-than-lethal devices; carry a firearm and less-lethal devices at all times while on duty and during off-duty details
• Coordinate activities with other officers or City departments; exchange information with other law enforcement agencies; obtain advice from the City Attorney and Prosecutor’s Office regarding cases, policies, and procedures

Peripheral Duties

• Maintain departmental equipment, supplies, and facilities; report damaged or missing equipment to supervisor
• Maintain contact with the general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police activities
• May serve as a member of various employee committees
• Perform other duties as assigned or necessary

Requirements

• Must pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical exam, and drug screen
• Must successfully pass a physical agility test within the last 6 months prior to application as administered by a certified FDLE training center
• Must successfully complete a swim test administered by a certified FDLE training center; swim test is waived for lateral candidates who have passed it at least once in their career
• Out-of-state applicants must submit a written acknowledgment of requirements for physical agility and swim test to be completed later
• Candidates currently enrolled in a Law Enforcement Academy may apply but must submit verification of enrollment

Qualifications

Entry Level

• Minimum of 21 years old at the time of employment
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida State driver’s license without record of suspension or revocation in any state
• No felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Able to read and write the English language
• Good moral character and temperate, industrious habits
• Applicants residing in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, or Palm Beach counties must pass a full physical agility test and swim test prior to application
• Applicants outside these counties must pass a full physical agility test and swim test as part of the second phase of their background investigation
• Must attend and successfully complete a basic Police Officer Academy and pass the State Police Officer Exam

Lateral Entry

• Must meet all Entry Level requirements
• Must hold a valid certification as a Police Officer as required by FDLE and/or CJSTC guidelines

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 60 completed college credits including general studies; or
• High School diploma/GED and two or more years of U.S. military service with an Honorable Discharge; or
• Two years of law enforcement experience as a Certified Police Officer

Required Documents

• Transcripts reflecting a minimum of 60 college credits or a High School Diploma and 2 years of U.S. Military Service (DD214)
• Physical Agility Test results taken in the six months before application
• Swim test results
• State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer certification (if applicable)
• Verification of enrollment for candidates currently in a Law Enforcement Academy
• Out-of-state candidates must submit a copy of their State Law Enforcement Certification
• Veterans must complete the City’s Veteran’s Preference Claim form and upload a DD214

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment (if already certified)
• Skill in operating police tools and equipment
• Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances, and department rules and regulations
• Ability to perform work requiring good physical condition
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, and supervisors
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to learn the City’s geography
• Knowledge of safety procedures associated with risks and hazards inherent to the job

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of any required FDLE or CJSTC and/or School of Justice requirements (e.g., Police Academy, FBAT, or other required tests)