Police Academy - Recruit

About the role

This is entry-level law enforcement work for training to become a Police Officer. The primary function is to successfully complete the Florida Criminal Justice Academy Police Officer program and the Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission Police Officer State Certification Exam. Upon completion, the employee will be promoted to Police Officer with the Bartow Police Department. Performance is reviewed through class work, exams, attendance, participation, and observations by superiors.

Responsibilities

• Obtain Criminal Justice Standards and pass the State Certification Examination.
• Develop knowledge and proficiency in interpreting Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, and Police Department policies and regulations.
• Develop skill and proficiency in the use and care of firearms and all other equipment used to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.
• Attend work on a continuous and regular basis.
• Meet Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements, including moral character (Florida Rule 11B-27.0011).
• Position may be designated as Emergency and Essential by Department Director.
• Perform related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to satisfactorily pass Police Academy standards for graduation, pass the Florida State Officer Certification Exam, and qualify for State certification and promotion to Police Officer.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with training instructors, superiors, fellow employees, classmates, and the general public.
• Ability to learn about Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, and Police Department policies and regulations.
• Ability to understand and fulfill oral and written instructions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies, objectively analyze the situation, and determine and execute the proper course of action.
• Ability to obtain and properly document relevant and accurate information through interview, interrogation, and observation.
• Ability to develop skills in the use and care of firearms and all other equipment used to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.
• Ability to learn proper law enforcement methods and techniques employed by qualified Police Officers.
• Ability to learn how to present professional testimony in judicial proceedings.
• Ability to handle difficult situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility; preference may be given to applicants with an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Enrolled and accepted into or currently attending a Florida Commission approved Basic Law Enforcement Academy or Correctional Officer Cross-Over Training to Florida Law Enforcement Academy with an academy start date no later than 60 days from the date of application.
• Has met the requirements for the Commission Comparable Compliance Equivalency of Training Program or has been enrolled and accepted into or currently attending the Commission Comparable Compliance, Equivalency of Training Program with an academy start date no later than 60 days from the date of application.

Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver’s License required.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background investigation, including, but not limited to, a polygraph exam, physical agility test, drug screening examination, physical exam, psychological testing, credit checks, etc., before being offered employment as a Police Academy Recruit.
• If the applicant becomes physically or mentally unable to safely and satisfactorily complete the training Academy, the City will terminate the payment and forgo further expenditures for training. The City may pursue all means and actions, as authorized by law, to obtain reimbursement from all other funds due from the applicant to the City.
• Applicant must be currently attending a Florida CJST Police Academy or scheduled to attend within 30–60 days prior to being offered employment as a Police Academy Recruit.
• Applicant shall reimburse the City on a pro-rata basis for costs of tuition for basic recruit training, other course expenses, and police certification examination if the applicant leaves employment within the first four years of becoming a Police Officer with the City of Bartow.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Essential Physical Skills:
  • Requires active work that involves walking, running, and standing most of the time, regular exerting up to 150 pounds of force, and routine keyboard operations.
  • Requires the ability to wear/carry up to 30 lbs. of equipment continuously.
  • The job risks exposure to pathogens, extreme hot/cold temperatures, diverse weather conditions, heights, violence, dusts, pollens, traffic, and electricity.
  • Requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.
  • Hearing ability sufficiently to understand radio transmissions and conversations with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
  • Speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over the telephone, and over the radio.
  • Requires the ability to operate a vehicle in normal and emergency conditions, daytime, night-time, and adverse weather.
  • Requires dexterity and grip strength to operate law enforcement equipment such as firearms, handcuffs, radios, batons, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Requires the ability to wear and/or operate personal protective equipment as required, including, but not limited to, belts, ballistic vests, ballistic shields, and ballistic helmets.
  • Requires the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the requirements of a Training Academy Recruit.
• Mental Demands:
  • Must be able to pass mandated psychological testing to perform duties and responsibilities of the position.
  • Required to use written and oral communication skills.
  • Requires the ability to read and interpret data, information and documents.
  • Requires the ability to solve complex problems.
  • Requires the ability to work under deadlines with constant interruptions.
  • Requires the emotional and mental capabilities to safely and effectively perform the requirements of a Training Academy Recruit.
  • Requires the ability to maintain a state of awareness and vigilance commensurate with officer safety responsibilities.