Law Enforcement Academy

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY RECRUIT: $29.36 hourly

We are looking for strong candidates who aspire to become a Law Enforcement Deputy. Competitive candidates are encouraged to apply for a limited number of paid sponsor ships to attend the upcoming law enforcement academy in August 2026.

Recruits hired for sponsorship to the law enforcement academy will attend this academy at the Manatee Technical College (MTC). This course is challenging both academically and physically. Upon completion of the six (6) month academy, recruits must pass the state exam to be sworn in as a certified Law Enforcement Deputy.

Trainee will sign an agreement to remain employed by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), in the capacity of Law Enforcement Deputy, for a period of at least twenty-four (24) months after successful completion of the MCSO Field Training and Evaluation Program.

• Commute to and from the academy daily according to their class schedule if selected.
• Ability to attend all classes and labs required to successfully pass the curricula of the Basic Recruit Law Enforcement Academy.
• Ability to pass the FDLE State Officer Certification Exam.
• Must successfully complete the agency’s Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) which consists of one-on-one training with certified Field Training Officer(s) who ensure that all new deputies are fully prepared to be a solo deputy.
• Regular, dependable and punctual attendance is a requirement.
• Perform various duties for the Manatee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), as required.

• Successful completion of the Law Enforcement Academy.
• Successfully pass the state exam.
• Successful completion of MCSO's Field Training and Evaluation Program.

If Trainee (a) fails to successfully complete the designated Academy on first attempt, (b) fails to pass the State Officer Certification Examination within 30 days of completion of the Academy, or (c) fails to successfully complete the Sheriff’s Field Training and Evaluation Program, the Trainee shall reimburse the Manatee County Sheriff's Office the Academy tuition costs and any additional costs for equipment which, in the Sheriff’s determination, is unfit for reuse or otherwise damaged.

• Recruit withdraws from the academy or is terminated by academy authorities.
• Recruit fails to complete the academy for any reason.
• Recruit fails to pass the State Officer Certification Exam.
• Recruit voluntarily resigns.
• Recruit abandons his/her position before working as a certified law enforcement officer for the MCSO or fails to fulfill their contract after becoming certified and re-classified as a Deputy Sheriff.

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have a valid Class E Florida Driver's License.
• Must meet ONE of the following requirements:
• An Associate’s degree or sixty (60) college credit hours from an accredited college or university; OR
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience in any field; OR
• Prior military service of at least two (2) years and separation under honorable or general conditions.
• A combination of work experience and post-secondary education equivalent to two (2) years, as determined by the Agency.
• Must not have used marijuana, or its derivative, in the last twelve (12) months.
• Must not have illegally used any Schedule I through Schedule V drugs in the last three (3) years ((Schedule I through V, as defined in the Controlled Substances Action, 21 U.S.C., Section 812, include but are not limited to cocaine, crack, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], amphetamines, methamphetamines, heroin, MDMA, GHB and anabolic steroids)).
• Must have never illegally used a controlled substance while employed as a law enforcement or corrections officer, while working in a prosecutorial position or while employed in a position of public safety.
• Must never have sold, delivered or manufactured a controlled substance.
• Must not have been convicted of a DUI within the past five years or more than once in their lifetime.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
• Must not have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility or other institution (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997).

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees that fosters, maintains and promotes equal employment opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, political affiliation, veteran’s status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, to include transgender status, disability or status in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.