How Do I Become A Police Officer In Florida

Acquire A Degree Or Academy Training

The requirements for this step will vary substantially depending on the state in which you plan on becoming a police officer. Some states do not require their officers to be college-educated, even if they may prefer it. Other states, like Minnesota, an Associates degree or equivalent training is one of the requirements to become a police officer.

Generally speaking, the training process for aspiring police officers follows two routes:

• Completing training by earning a two- or four-year degree in Criminal Justice or similar field from a Peace Officer Standings and Training -certified college or university, or
• Completing training through a government-approved police academy or training program.

Since police officer requirements differ, youll want to be sure to check with the agency that sets the standards for law enforcement training and licensure in your area. Some also have arrangements for military reciprocity, allowing candidates who served in the military to follow a different process in acknowledgement of the training they already have.

Whichever path you take, your training will include classroom instruction in state and local laws, covering topics like constitutional law, civil rights and police ethics. Recruits also receive training and supervised experience in areas such as patrol, traffic control, firearm use, self-defense, first aid and emergency response.

Florida State Trooper Training Prerequisites And Education Requirements

After from meeting the minimum requirements listed above, which include having a high school diploma and 30 credit hours of college coursework, prospective Florida Highway Patrol troopers will need to pass a physical ability test and a written test. The physical ability test requires that the candidate by physically capable of performing the tasks typically expected of a Florida State Trooper. The test consists of alternating between an obstacle, running, and moving a 150-pound training dummy. The test must be completed in six minutes and four seconds . The written exam, the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test , tests candidates verbal, linguistic, spatial, and memorization abilities. Candidates must also complete a psychological exam and medical screening before being invited to complete the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy.

The Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy is a 28-week program that involves rigorous physical activity as well as academic study. The academy is a live-in paramilitary training environment that emphasizes teamwork and physical fitness. Following graduation, recruits complete 12 weeks of field training, after which they will be able to work independently as Florida State Troopers.

Pass The Licensing Exam

The next step to becoming a police officer is to earn a passing score on your states police licensing board exam. Your education and training will prepare you to take the Peace Officer Standards and Training exam.

Each state has its own licensing board, so the tests will also vary. But generally speaking, most POST exams cover topics like: practical application and techniques, civil and criminal law, community policing, victims rights and management and communication. By passing this capstone exam, you are licensed to become a police officer and enforce the law in your jurisdiction. You are now free to seek employment with a police department.

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Florida Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements

The Florida State Patrol operates under the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Currently, Colonel Gene Spaulding is the FHP Director. The Florida Highway Patrol has an authorized force of 1,946 sworn and 529 non-sworn employees.3 To become a state patrol officer in Florida, candidates must meet state requirements and:

• Not have a history of repeated traffic violations
• Not be more than 20 pounds over recommended weight
• Be willing to relocate to any duty station in Florida

The Florida trooper educational requirements state that all candidates must hold a high school diploma. However, candidates who hold an associate degree or higher are often given employment preference. The FHP also awards preference to military veterans.

Entry-level Florida state troopers earn a starting salary of $38,034 per year, with adjustments for higher cost of living area assignments.3 Troopers are eligible to apply for promotion after five years of service.

Do You Get Paid While In The Police Academy

Officers receive a full starting salary while training at a police academy. Once you successfully graduate police academy, you will likely get a bump in salary. Depending on the police department where you work, this salary bump can be as much as $2,000 or $3,000 more than what you earned while training.

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About Florida Law Enforcement Academy

The Florida Law Enforcement Academy Career Certificate provides students with exceptional law enforcement learning opportunities in subjects including evidence gathering, investigation and criminal law, traffic control, patrol procedures and weaponry training based on requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Upon completion, students will be fully prepared for state certification exams and law enforcement jobs with State, County, and municipal law enforcement agencies.

Interested candidates must complete:

The basic law enforcement application process has phases. Applicants will be given information about the upcoming phases after the successful completion of each phase. The application process can, generally, last from six to eight weeks to complete.

Prospective Salary And Job Outlook

BLS data indicates that the rate of employment growth in this field, or job outlook, is 5% between 2012 and 2022. Police officer jobs in Florida, however, are expected to increase at the rate of +9% for the same time period, according to O*NET OnLine. There is always a steady demand for police officers due to the important role they play in society.

With regards to prospective salary, data from O*NET OnLine illustrates that in Florida, the median annual salary for:

• Police and Sherriffs Patrol Officers was $55,100 in 2013
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators was $63,400 in 2013

Police officers are an integral part of any community. They play an important and demanding role when it comes to ensuring the safety and stability of their communities. There are a number of steps, which must be taken if a career in law enforcement is what you are considering. In addition, you must submit to selection tests and extensive training. If becoming a police officer in Florida is your goal, use the information here to help you achieve your career aspirations.

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Law Enforcement Recruit Training

To be a law enforcement officer in the State of Florida, you first must complete a Florida Department of Law Enforcement academy, presented by one of the Regional Training Centers in Florida. The School of Emergency Services is an FDLE Certified Training Center.

During the academy, you will learn everything that you need to know to get you started in a career as a law enforcement officer. After successfully completing the academy, students take the State Officer Certification Examination . Passing the state examination qualifies the individual for employment as a law enforcement officer anywhere in the State of Florida.

Admission to Daytona State College does not guarantee entrance into a limited access program.

Police Training Academies In Florida

All police candidates must attend an approved police training academy. Know that some Florida police departments require candidates to complete all or part of basic training at their own expense. For non-certified candidates, the program is 25 weeks. For those who already hold a Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission Certificate, an eight-week transitional academy is typically available.

There are a number of accredited police academies in Florida, including:

• Broward County Sheriffs Office Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Citrus County Public Safety Training Center Inverness, FL
• Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola Kissimmee, FL
• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee, FL
• Miami Police Training Center Miami, FL

See a complete list of Florida police training centers through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

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With Over 30 Specialty Units We Definitely Have Whatever It Is That You Are Looking For In A Law Enforcement Career

Are you tired of Google-searching “South Florida police departments hiring” or “police jobs in Florida”? Well, we have some good news: the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department, South Florida’s Premier Law Enforcement Agency is always looking for qualified people to work with.

If you are out of state, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for more information on the process.

For our Out Of State applicants We will make every effort to create a schedule that meets your travel needs. Typically, our goal is a minimum of 2 trips. However, more trips may be necessary to secure employment. The first trip consists of completing the Oral Board. We encourage you to schedule several days after the oral board for additional testing. Of course the additional testing is contingent on you achieving a high passing score on the oral board. During that first trip you can also complete your CJBAT, BMST and Swim test. The BMST and Swim Test are Mandatory for Certified Applicants. The second trip will encompass completion of the testing process. Not all appointments are guaranteed and each test is contingent on passing the previous test.

Visit our , Pages for more information on what to expect and how to get ready for the initial phases of the application process.

You might be asking yourself what is the difference between a Certified and

Non-Certified Police Officer?

A Certified Applicant is a person who meets one of the requirements below:

Requirements To Be Employed As An Officer In Florida

Below are the minimum requirements as per Florida State Statute, Florida Administrative Code and Daytona State College Criminal Justice Training Center.

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Florida Police Officer Requirements

The Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission , housed under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, oversees the training procedures and certification of police officers in the state. The CJSTC requires that candidates for law enforcement positions in the state:

• Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization
• Be at least 19 years old
• Be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate
• Hold a bachelors degree
• Complete a background investigation based on fingerprints
• Not have any felony convictions nor disqualifying misdemeanors
• Have an honorable discharge, if a military veteran

Minimum Requirements For Employment As A Law Enforcement Officer

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Do You Need A Degree To Be A Cop

Becoming a police officer doesnt rely heavily on formal education in fact, a high school diploma is often the minimum formal education required. An associates, bachelors or graduate degree is rarely mandatory. This training is often provided by police academies on the local, regional or state level.

Becoming A Police Officer In St Petersburg Florida

In terms of population, St. Petersburg is the fourth-largest city in Florida. With a population of more than 250,000, opportunities may be available if youre interested in working for the St. Petersburg Police Department.

St. Petersburg police jobs include criminal investigators, traffic patrol, forensics specialists and first responders, among many other positions. Becoming a police officer in St. Petersburg requires completing a multi-step hiring and training process.

The following are the basic steps you will have to complete in order to become a police officer in St. Petersburg:

• Step 1: Review basic qualifications and complete a job application
• Step 2: Complete a physical agilities test
• Step 3: Complete a written examination
• Step 4: Conduct a background investigation and polygraph test
• Step 5: Be interviewed
• Step 6: Complete a psychological examination and medical examination
• Step 7: Enroll in the training academy

Step 1. Review Basic Qualifications and Complete a Job Application

The first step in the process involves reviewing basic qualification and requirements for the department. Qualifications include the following:

• Must be at least 19 years of age
• Be a United States citizen
• Be a high school graduate and have at least 60 hours of secondary education experience
• Posses a valid drivers license from the state of Florida
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Be of good moral character
• Live within 60-miles of the city limits

Step 2. Complete a Physical Agility Test

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Equivalency Of Training Process

This process is intended for out-of-state officers, federal or military officers, and previously certified Florida officers with a four-year or more break in service pursuant to section 943.131. An officer cannot have more than an 8-year break in service in order to be eligible for this process. The Equivalency of Training Process allows an officer to be exempt from the full basic recruit academy.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Worked for at least one year as a full time sworn officer in the discipline that you are seeking
• Attended an academy comparable to Florida’s basic recruit full-time academy or
• Were previously certified in Florida

Once approved, you will receive an Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.

You will then need to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas and pass the state certification exam in the same discipline within 1-year of receipt of the approved Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.

You can attend the 92-hour high liability courses at the following local locations:

Miami-Dade Police Academy – Main Number 305-715-5000

You must take and successfully complete your State Officer Certification Exam We process EOTs here at Broward College but currently do not offer any of the courses needed to complete the EOT. In addition, your $295.00 processing fee does not include the high-liability courses you must demonstrate proficiency in or your State Officer Certification Exam. Those are additional fees.

Would I Get Credit For My Prior Law Enforcement Experience

Yes. New hires having previous full time sworn law enforcement experience, accumulated within the four year period prior to hiring date may be eligible to start at a higher paygrade.

• Less than two years previous full time sworn law enforcement experience will start at the first step of their particular classification.
• Two years or more, but less than four years will start at the second step.
• Four years or more previous experience will start at a step three.
• You may buy up to five years of previous experience into our pension plan. Cost is dependent on several factors that are determined by the pension office.

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Tampa Police Officer Requirements

The Tampa Police Department is continually recruiting for qualified officers. To join the TPD as a sworn law enforcement officer, candidates must:

• Be 21 years of age
• Be a US citizen
• Possess a valid Florida drivers license
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Hold an associates degree or meet another acceptable combination of education and experience
• Not have any tattoos that would be visible wearing the standard long-sleeve uniform
• Already be certified as a law enforcement officer in Florida or be currently enrolled in a basic training program approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission*

*Candidates must graduate from the basic training program within 30 days of submitting their application to TPD. There is no salary or stipend given to recruits while they complete the basic training program, but the department offers 12 to 15 scholarships per year. The scholarship process opens on March 1 every year.

If an applicant meets all of the above qualifications, after applying to the department he or she will have to pass a physical abilities test and undergo polygraph, psychological, and medical examinations as well as a background check. From start to finish, the TPD hiring process takes about three to six months. Accepted officers will complete four weeks of field training with the department before being assigned to patrol.